Evolution of Backgammon
Backgammon is one of the oldest, if not the oldest game that exists and is still enjoyed by the human race worldwide. To be simple with it, Backgammon is a game of luck and skill - a game which mirrors basic human reactions in life.
Backgammon was first played in Mesopotamia, the cradle of the oldest known civilization. Today, this area in the Middle East sits in between of Iran and Iraq. Back then, chance and fate dictates the life of the civilization as the Mesopotamian river rises and falls. Backgammon symbolizes the same fate of a player upon a roll of a die.
The Ur of Chaldees provided relics which provided evidence for the history of backgammon. These relics show us that as far back as 5,000 years ago, the ancient game was already introduced in human civilization. The game is just one of the greatest discoveries made in this ancient city of Ur. Sumerian language, science and literature were developed as well, and these have been influential in the development of our history.
The "inlaid gaming board" was the oldest known Backgammon gaming board, and it was found in the royal tombs of Ur. Simple wood boards, polished stones and dyed markers were used as checkers back in the old days. It is hard enough to win the game, much more to play the game itself.
The simple checkers and markers set-up of Backgammon became popular with various configurations in different societies. Relics from Rome, Persia and even the Far East give us some idea on the use of this game in these regions and the people who played with it. A thirty-square board called Senat was found in Egypt. However the rules for that game, as well of use of dice or any other method to determine the steps, are unknown.
England, in the 17th century, refined Backgammon as we play it today. As the twentieth century came, the "doubling cube" was added to the game which innovated this already popular game. Backgammon enjoyed a renaissance in the 1970s, as it was popularized as a cheap board game. The Backgammon became one of the most popular board games, along the line of Chess, Checkers, and even Monopoly.
The advent of Internet brought this popular game to worldwide prominence. Players can now compete with other players from across the globe. The level of competitiveness has increased as the number of players also increased. However, whatever the medium used, backgammon maintains its same facet of chance.
SUMMARY: Playing backgammon is like putting yourself to the shoes (or sandals or feet?) of ancient people. The thoughts, strategies and ideas were born out of necessities that mirrors from the society it came. More than recreation, it is luck, fate, and destiny.
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