Ancient and Historic Games


Papyrus illustration

More than three thousand years ago, people in the Ancient World - in Egypt and Sumer - played a number of games.

In some instances only archeological evidence such as tomb paintings, papyrus scrolls, or game equipment found in a tomb, and similar games that are still played in these places are evidence of these games.

There are many sites on the Web which provide information about these games, since much has been published about the games over the centuries. The Museum holds a number of reproductions of these games and archival information about them in the collection.

Click on a picture below to find out about these games

Egyptian
Senet
Sumerian
Game
Knossos
Game
Egyptian
Dogs & Jackals
Senet Box
Ur Box
Knossos Game
Hounds and Jackals

Last update July 6, 2007