Ancient Games to Try Today
Senet – Egypt’s Royal Game
Dating back to 3100 BCE, Senet was played by pharaohs. With strategy and chance, it`s often considered the world’s first board game.
Pachisi – The Indian Classic
Known as the "game of kings," this cross-and-circle game is the ancestor of Ludo, combining luck and tactical movement.
Go – Ancient Chinese Strategy
Over 2,500 years old, Go is still one of the most respected strategy games worldwide—easy to learn, endlessly complex to master.
Mancala – Stones and Strategy
Played across Africa and Asia for centuries, Mancala uses pits and stones for fast-paced counting, strategy, and forward planning.
Knucklebones – Greek Dexterity Game
The ancient Greeks used animal bones like dice. Think of it as the ancestor of jacks, testing coordination and quick hands.
Royal Game of Ur – Mesopotamian Gem
This 5,000-year-old game was unearthed in Iraq and shares similarities with modern backgammon—mixing luck with race-style gameplay.
Hnefatafl – Viking War Game
Before chess, Vikings played this asymmetric strategy game. It’s about protecting your king—or capturing him with tactical skill.