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.
Today, this game can be played at a number of online casino sites.
