Ancient Egypt is known for its rich history and culture, including its love for gambling. One of the most popular games played by the Pharaohs was Cgebet, a board game that involved strategy and luck.
Cgebet was played on a board with 30 squares arranged in three rows of ten. Each player had seven pieces, which were placed on the board in a specific pattern. The object of the game was to move all of your pieces off the board before your opponent did.
Players rolled four-sided dice to determine how many spaces they could move their pieces. The game involved both luck and strategy, as players had to decide whether to move their pieces quickly or wait for a better opportunity.
Cgebet was not the only game played by the Pharaohs. Senet, another popular game, was played on a board with 30 squares arranged in three rows of ten. Players had five pieces, which they moved across the board based on the roll of four-sided dice.
Other games included Mehen, a game played on a circular board with a spiral pattern, and Hounds and Jackals, a game played on a board shaped like a coiled snake.
Gambling was an important part of Ancient Egyptian culture, and many of these games were played for money or other valuables. The Pharaohs themselves were known to be avid gamblers, and many tombs have been found with gaming boards and pieces buried alongside their owners.
While the games played by the Pharaohs may seem simple by today’s standards, they were an important part of Ancient Egyptian culture and history. They provide us with a glimpse into the daily lives of the people who lived thousands of years ago, and remind us that even in ancient times, people enjoyed games of chance and strategy.