Archaeologists believe this Bronze Age board game is the oldest yet found
Archaeologists believe this Bronze Age board game is the oldest yet found
Archaeologists believe this Bronze Age board game is the oldest yet found
Jennifer Ouellette
September, 16, 2024
Summary
A recent study published in the European Journal of Archaeology suggests that the ancient board game Hounds and Jackals, long believed to have originated in Egypt, may have actually originated in Azerbaijan. A game board found in Gobustan, Azerbaijan, dates back to the Middle Bronze Age, potentially predating similar Egyptian versions. Archaeologists suggest the game, also known as Fifty-Eight Holes, spread widely across regions like Mesopotamia and Iran. Though dating remains challenging, the study highlights how games like Hounds and Jackals facilitated social interaction and were adopted by various cultures throughout history.
Reference
Ouellette, J. (2024, September 16). Archaeologists believe this Bronze Age board game is the oldest yet found. Ars Technica. https://arstechnica.com/science/2024/09/archaeologists-believe-this-bronze-age-board-game-is-the-oldest-yet-found/