In 1977, archaeologists excavating an ancient cemetery in southeastern Iran uncovered an astonishing find: a 4,500-year-old Mesopotamian board game. The discovery occurred at Shahr-i Sokhta, or “Burnt City,” an important historical site dating back to the Bronze Age. The game, found in a decorated grave known as Grave No. 731, has since captivated experts due to its age and complexity.
The game features a board with 20 circular spaces carved into the shape of a snake. It also includes 27 geometric playing pieces and four dice. Researchers believe this game, dating to around 2600–2400 BCE, represents one of the oldest examples of strategic gameplay. It stands alongside ancient games like Egypt’s Senet and the Roman Ludus Latrunculorum.
Ancient gameplay with modern complexity
Experts suggest the Shahr-i Sokhta board game was a strategic racing game similar to the Royal Game of Ur, a Mesopotamian game whose rules were deciphered from a clay tablet. The goal of the Shahr-i Sokhta game was likely to move all 10 of a player’s pieces off the board before the opponent, using a combination of luck and strategy.
Players appeared to use two types of pieces: “blockers” and “runners.” Runners aimed to reach the end of the board quickly, while blockers were used to slow down an opponent. This dual strategy added layers of complexity, making the game more challenging and engaging.
“The core gameplay revolves around racing, with blocker pieces introducing additional strategy without overshadowing the runners,” the research team explained in their study, published in the Journal of the British Institute of Persian Studies.
Comparing Ancient Games
Unlike the Royal Game of Ur, which relied heavily on chance, the Shahr-i Sokhta game balanced chance with strategy. Researchers believe that additional “star” pieces, resembling rosettes, offered more complex gameplay. This balance made the game less repetitive and more engaging for players.
To understand the game better, 50 experienced players tested it. They compared it to the Royal Game of Ur and found the Shahr-i Sokhta game had greater strategic depth. Using blockers and special pieces required more thought and planning, offering a richer experience.
Modern AI unlocks ancient secrets
Modern technology, including AI, has further helped researchers decode how the game might have been played. AI algorithms simulate thousands of possible rule sets, determining which leads to enjoyable and strategic gameplay.
Computational models confirmed that the Shahr-i Sokhta game offered more complexity than the simpler Royal Game of Ur.
Cultural significance
The discovery highlights the advanced culture of Shahr-i Sokhta, a city near the Helmand River in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province. This Bronze Age settlement was known for skilled craftsmanship, trade networks, and early urban planning.
Unlike the Royal Game of Ur, associated with Mesopotamian royalty, the Shahr-i Sokhta game was found in the grave of a wealthy but non-royal individual. This suggests that such games were more accessible and widespread in eastern regions.
Broader understanding of ancient leisure
The discovery of this ancient game deepens our understanding of how board games evolved. It reveals that people enjoyed sophisticated games that combined luck and strategy thousands of years ago – much like today’s games. It also shows how games were not just for the elite but were part of broader cultural practices.
Shahr-i Sokhta continues to offer valuable insights into ancient life, reminding us that the human desire for competition, strategy, and fun has existed for millennia.