The history of backgammon, the oldest known board game, is an
interesting one that began almost 5,000 years ago in
Mesopotamia. Numerous variations of the game were adopted by
other cultures throughout the history of backgammon.
Archaeologists continue to discover many similar games in the
ruins of ancient civilizations as they explore the intriguing
history of backgammon.
The actual name for backgammon comes from a Welsh term meaning
"wee battle." However, the history of backgammon reflects many
different names and versions. The aristocracy and slave
population of Egypt and Greece played a similar game called,
"senat." The Romans changed the number of dice from two to three
and called it "bac gamen" or "back game." From the Roman
civilization, backgammon moved to Persia, where it was again
played with two dice in a game called "Takhteh Nard" or "Battle
on Wood." During the time of the Crusades, the Anglo Saxon
soldiers and traders played yet another version called "Tables"
or "Tabula."
Throughout the history of backgammon, the Church attempted
several times to ban the game, but always failed. Cardinal
Woolsey, in the 16th century, ordered all the boards burned,
calling the game "the devil's folly." Burning the boards was
useless, however, since any type of board could be drawn in dirt
or sand and played with small pebbles. Dice were often handmade
and were small enough to be easily concealed on a person or
hidden in someone's home. Furthermore, the English were very
clever and decided to disguise the backgammon board as a folding
book. Their innovative craftsmanship is still evident in the
board we use today.
Edmund Hoyle, the famous writer and gamesman, documented the
rules and the history of backgammon in the mid 1700's. Colonists
from England brought backgammon to their homes in America, along
with chess and other board games of the times. Although the game
of backgammon lost some popularity in the Victorian era, it
quickly reappeared and gained strength in the 20th century. At
this time, an unknown inventor devised the doubling cube, which
offers players the opportunity to multiply their initial wager
by the amount on the doubling cube. Of course, some strategy and
experience is needed before using the doubling cube.
Tournaments, books, magazines, and clubs are now a part of the
history of backgammon. The introduction of the game on the
Internet has increased its popularity to an even greater extent.
Backgammon is a fast-paced, challenging, and entertaining game
of skill and luck.
