Board games are more than just rainy-day entertainment—they're part of a tradition that dates back over 5,000 years. One of the oldest known board games, Senet, was played in ancient Egypt. Elaborate game boards have been found in pharaohs’ tombs, suggesting that even royalty enjoyed the strategy and suspense of gameplay.
The Royal Game of Ur, originating in Mesopotamia around 2600 BCE, used dice and a board marked with special symbols. Ancient Chinese games like Liubo and Indian games like Chaturanga (a predecessor of chess) not only entertained but also taught players about tactics, war, and philosophy.
Throughout history, games have been a way to socialize, practice strategic thinking, and pass down cultural values. The next time you play your favorite board game, remember—you’re continuing a legacy thousands of years in the making.