The Checkered, Dicey, and Unpredictable

From Hieroglyphs to Hippos

Our journey begins in ancient times, around 3500 BC (Before Candyland). We're in predynastic Egypt where our fore-gamers were getting their kicks from a game known as Senet. If the rules seem as comprehensible as hieroglyphics, that's because they were! This was the game that invented the concept of "It's all Greek to me," except it was all Egyptian.?

Ancient board games didn't stop there. In India around 500 BC, they came up with Chaturanga – a game of military strategy that’s the Sanskrit for "four divisions of the military" – elephants, chariots, cavalry, and infantry. Yes, you got it, the precursor to modern Chess. If only they knew then what endless, sleep-depriving wars they were about to start in every college dorm and old man's pub across the globe!

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Are you still with me??

Board games weren't just for intellectual or entertainment purposes; they served a deeper societal purpose. They were often based on real-life scenarios, enabling players to explore moral, ethical, and strategic dilemmas in a safe environment. Think of it as today's version of social simulation but without the blue light glare and dwindling battery life.

Monopoly, for instance, wasn't designed to almost ruin friendships and cause table flips. It was actually conceived in 1904 by Lizzie Magie to illustrate the evils of land ownership concentration. Some may say that the ultimate capitalist game was initially an economic critique.

Some may not know that during World War II, the British Secret Service developed a special edition of the game Monopoly for their prisoners of war held by the Nazis. These special editions contained hidden maps, compasses, and real money to aid escape attempts. Now that's what I call a 'get out of jail free' card!

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A Social Roll of the Dice

Over centuries, board games have transitioned from strategic warfare simulations to a medium promoting social interaction, teaching cultural values, and entertaining the bored and the quarantined.

?They've gone from simple rock-carved game boards to extravagantly illustrated art pieces. From being played in royal courts and high society to becoming an everyday household essential. They're the family favourites that have solved rainy day conundrums and settled who does the dishes. They've sparked laughter, started arguments, and spun tales of legendary victories and agonizing defeats.

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More Than Just Games

So why were board games created? To teach, to strategize, to compete, to entertain, but mostly to connect. In a world where we're often heads-down in our devices, they offer a chance to be heads-up, engaging, laughing, and sharing with those around us. They are not just games on a board; they are boards on which life plays out, and aren't we all just playing along??

Remember, the next time you're pulling your hair out over a seemingly never-ending game of Catan, take a moment to appreciate the historical ride that got us here. After all, in the grand tapestry of human history, board games hold a special, whimsical, and utterly unique thread.

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Until next time, may the dice ever roll in your favour!?

P.S. If you're looking for me, I'm stuck on test-playing “The Startup Shuffle” with an ex-colleague. Seriously, she's relentless. Send help... or pizza!