Board Games of the Ancient World

Human kind has always looked for a means of escape and entertainment. Games have existed throughout most of human history, some even date back to ancient times before humans were known to have literacy skills. The game Senet has even been found in ancient Egyptian tombs. Throughout history these ancient games have endured or evolved and many are still popular today. These games include Senet, The Game of Go, Royal Game of Ur, and perhaps the most well known, Mancala.

Senet

Evidence of the game has been found in both pre-dynastic and ancient Egypt. The name of the game means "game of passing." The board consists of 30 squares arranged in three rows of ten, and uses two sets of pawns. Historians aren't sure of the games exact rules, and often debate between a few theorized options.

Gaming with the Gods - Senet and Ancient Egyptian religious beliefs
An Ancient Game of Egypt - (PDF Document) Playing the game of Senet
In Search of the Meaning of Senet - (PDF Document) Attempting to uncover the meaning of the ancient game

The Game of Go

The Game of Go is a two player game that originated in Ancient China. The game board is a 19 x 19 grid and players use black and white stones. The game's object is to control more of the board that one's opponent. Stones or groups of stones can be captured by an opponent.
The Japanese Rules of Go - How the Japanese played the ancient game
Teaching Computers The Game of Go - an article about how the ancient game can be applied to modern computer programming
The Oldest Game of Strategy - Article about a Go Club at Indiana University

The Royal Game of Ur

The Royal Game of Ur is thought to be the oldest board game ever found, it predates even Senet. Two players use dice and black and white markers to play the game. It is thought to be a predecessor of backgammon.
The Royal Game of Ur - The University of Chicago's Oriental Institute page on Ur
The Royal Game of Ur - A description of the ancient board game
The Royal Game of Ur - The British Museum page on the game

Mancala

Mancala is thought to have originated in Africa. It is one ancient game that still remains popular and is played to this day. The Mancala board can be made of many materials, most often clay or wood. It is a two player game usually played with stones, beans, seeds, or shells. The object of the game is to capture more pieces than your opponent has.
Games Crafters - The history and rules of Mancala
Mancala Playing Agent - A history of the game and an interactive example of how it's played
Mancala - Details of the game with an interactive version you can play