Ancient Egyptian Games
Getting involved with games is considered such a critical theme, in order to relax the mind and increase concentration. Games are not only for kids, but the elders of ancient Egypt were involved with them as well. Fun and learning may be a result of playing games; however on the other hand games reflect the culture of people, especially the people of ancient Egypt. This article articulates a clarification of practicing games in ancient Egypt.
The people of ancient Egypt could mostly spend their free times enjoying different activities of leisure, such as music and games. Games were varied, whereas one could discover the most popular ones, including Mehen and Senet. Games of ball and juggling had their fans too, particularly among children, (Decker,1992). One of the famous areas in ancient Egypt, Beni Hasan was known for its regular competitions of wrestling. However, rich Egyptians enjoyed boating and hunting. The following text will explain some of the mentioned games.
Mehen
The popular game of Mehen had its relationship with religious belief, since it indicates to a serpent that protects the god Ra. However, this game had its own rules, similar to any other board games. Despite the fact that many references ignored mentioning details about this game, justifying that it did not have rules, the modern Egyptians assure nowadays that many equipments and paintings found in monuments reflected its rules and method. However, to sum up, Mehen was played during 3000 B.C., particularly during the predynastic era. It could be played with marbles and gamepieces shaped as a lion, (Decker,1992). The board used to play Mehen actually depicted a snake or serpent whose figure was divided into certain rectangular spaces. There were different boards along with various segments and numbers. The ancient Egyptian played this game in sets of three or six, along with lesser spheres, such as balls or marbles.
Senet
A Senet game board taken from the tomb of Amenhotep III
Another popular game known during the time of ancient Egypt was Senet, which reflected the meaning of passing game. It was known in 3100 B.C. Focusing on the fact that Senet was a gameboard. The board had a grid of 30 squares that were arranged in 3 rows of 10. It had two sets of pawns. In fact, according to the belief of ancient Egyptians, the winner of this game could be immediately under Ra and Thoth's protection, (Decker,1992). Therefore, this beloved game was placed regularly in their graves with other valuable objects.
Conclusion
Games are for fun and gaining culture. They are not for children only, but the elders are involved with them as well. Games of ancient Egypt reflected many religious ceremonies and beliefs. The most popular games during this period were Mehen and Senet. Both games had their rules and arrangements, which were belonging to board games. Playing board games was and still considered such a way of learning about various cultures.
References
Decker, W. (1992). Sports and Games in Ancient