Evolution of board games

Evolution of board games

Board Games have existed in our world since times immemorial. Perhaps, the origin of Board Games is as old as civilization itself. There are many archaeological sites, artifacts and historical texts that provide some evidence of the earliest board games in human history. 

At a time when paper, wooden board or ink was not even invented, the earliest board games were played on a slab of stone, or on the ground itself. "Senet" is recognized as probably the most ancient board game in the world. It belongs to the pre-dynastic Egyptian civilization, dating approximately 3500 B.C., that is, about 5500 years ago. 

Patolli is another board game that was played during the reign of the Mayan civilization. An ancient variant of the Backgammon board game, it was discovered in the Iranian excavations dating nearly 5000 years ago. 

Ancient Chinese civilization also appears to have given rise to several board games in its time. Most of them were strategic games requiring forethought and exceptional mind skills. 

Nearly three thousand years ago, during the time of the Buddha, there were several types of board games in existence. There is a mention of these games in the ancient Buddhist texts. Some of these games included making pictures on the ground, and using men in place of game pieces. 

Around the same time, in the ancient Indian text of Mahabharata, there is a mention of Chaupad or Chaturaji. It was a game played with the roll of a dice, and involved a factor of luck and chance. It is said that the ancient princes of Mahabharata lost their kingdom in this game. This reference gives rise to the view that gambling was a popular sport during that era, and board games were used for the purpose. 

In recent history, Snakes and Ladders became a popular game all over the world. This game also involved the rolling of a dice to gain points, and there is a luck and chance factor involved too. 

In the early 20th century, Monopoly rose in popularity as a board game and went through various transformations, before settling in its current form in 1930s. It is perhaps the most popular board game in modern history. 

Traditionally, Monopoly is played with artificial cash paper notes. But in recent years, an electronic version of the game has also been introduced called "Electronic Monopoly". This version uses artificial Credit Cards instead of paper currency. Children all over the world have taken great fancy to the electronic version as well. 

In its most recent forms, board games have gone online, with the advent of Internet. Many people play board games on the computer. The Internet has made it possible for two players sitting in different parts of the world to play against each other in real time. 

SUMMARY: Board Games are one of the oldest forms of recreation known to man. Along with the evolution of technology, the board games have also evolved, though the essence of these games have remained the same as ever.