The ancient board games we finally know how to play – thanks to AI
The ancient board games we finally know how to play – thanks to AI
The ancient board games we finally know how to play – thanks to AI
Jeremy Hsu
December, 9 , 2024
Summary
In the 1970s, a 4,500-year-old complete board game was discovered in a grave in Shahr-i Sokhta, Iran, making it the oldest of its kind. The game includes a board with 20 circular spaces, four dice, and 27 geometric pieces. While many ancient board games, like Senet and Ludus Latrunculorum, have been found, the rules remain unknown, with the exception of the Royal Game of Ur, whose rules were deciphered in 2007. Recently, researchers have used artificial intelligence to reconstruct the rules of these ancient games, offering insights into past social and cultural dynamics.
Reference
Hsu, J. (2024, December 9). The ancient board games we finally know how to play – thanks to AI. New Scientist. https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26435212-400-the-ancient-board-games-we-finally-know-how-to-play-thanks-to-ai/