Board games are known from a wide range of cultures across the world. They often have purposes beyond passing the time and amusement. Snakes and ladders was intended to teach about the Indian philosophical concept of karma. Boards and pieces for the Egyptian game senet are often found in tombs and may not be simple pastimes for the afterlife, but may symbolise the journey through life and to the afterlife.

Royal Game of Ur

The Royal Game of Ur from Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq).

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Ancient Egyptian game of senet

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The ancient Indian game of pachisi

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Marble board from Rome

For playing the race game Lucky Sixes (felix sex), a version of tabula/Tables. The letters represents spaces and spell out words suited to the idea of the game as a race: the circus is full; the noise is loud; the starting gates are bulging.

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The Lewis chess pieces

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Mancala

Mancala, which probably originated in East Africa and is now played around the world.

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