Researchers finally uncover how to play the 4,000-year-old Shahr-i Sokhta board game
Researchers finally uncover how to play the 4,000-year-old Shahr-i Sokhta board game
Researchers finally uncover how to play the 4,000-year-old Shahr-i Sokhta board game
Dario Radley
December, 15, 2024
Summary
In 1977, archaeologists uncovered a 4,500-year-old board game at the Shahr-i Sokhta site in southeastern Iran, dating to 2600–2400 BCE. The game, featuring 20 circular spaces, 27 geometric pieces, and four dice, offers a glimpse into ancient entertainment. Researchers have used modern tools and AI to reconstruct gameplay, suggesting it was a strategic racing game with added complexity. Unlike the Royal Game of Ur, it balanced strategy and chance, making it more engaging. Found in a wealthy, non-royal grave, the game likely had widespread appeal, reflecting the urban sophistication of Shahr-i Sokhta's inhabitants.
Reference
Radley, D. (2024, December 15). Researchers finally uncover how to play the 4,000-year-old Shahr-i Sokhta board game. Archaeology Magazine. https://archaeologymag.com/2024/12/researchers-uncover-how-to-play-shahr-i-sokhta-board-game/