Ancient Egyptians Loved Board Games

For the ancient Egyptians, a game could be far more than a simple pastime. This is perfectly illustrated by Senet, one of the world’s oldest board games, enjoyed by everyone from farmers to pharaohs for nearly 3,000 years. The game's name translates to "passing," and over time, it evolved from a recreational activity into a profound simulation of the soul's journey through the Duat, the perilous underworld. The 30 squares on the board were thought to represent the various stages and challenges a soul would face on its path to the afterlife.

This deep spiritual connection explains why beautifully crafted Senet boards were common and essential burial items. The Egyptians believed that a successful game of Senet played against fate or an unseen spiritual opponent after death could help ensure their safe passage and rebirth in the Field of Reeds, their version of paradise. The discovery of four separate Senet sets within Tutankhamun's tomb underscores the game's importance, suggesting the young king was well-equipped for his posthumous journey. While the original rules were lost to time, historians have used clues from tomb paintings and fragmented texts to reconstruct how this sacred game was likely played.