When and where was backgammon invented?

When and where was backgammon invented?

Origins. Backgammon is one of the oldest games in existence, alongside Go and Chess. It is probably about 5,000 years old and may well have originated in what today is Iraq—previously Mesopotamia. Recent evidence supporting this was found when these very early dice (made of human bones) were discovered in the area.

Where did the name backgammon come from?

It has its roots in the Roman Empire. After a lengthy tour of various versions of the game through the middle east and Asia, it showed up in England in the 16th century. The name "backgammon" is most likely derived from "back" and Middle English "gamen", meaning "game" or "play".

Where is backgammon most popular?

Backgammon is most popular in the middle-east and around it ; the area from Greece to Afghanistan.

Is Backgammon older than chess?

Backgammon is another ancient game that is even older than Chess. In 2004, archaeologists discovered a gameboard in the ancient city of Shahr-e Sukhteh in Iran resembling the game of Backgammon. The board was dated to around 3000 BCE and is believed to be the oldest Backgammon board ever found.