Ancient Game Board Unearthed in Apollonia
A groundbreaking archaeological study, released on May 29 at 6:00 PM, has revealed a remarkable find. Carved into a marble block embedded in the wall of the ancient city of Apollonia, located in Bithynia, researchers identified a playing surface for the game known as 'Nine Foxes' (or 'Merrills'). This discovery highlights Apollonia’s significance as a major cultural hub during its era.
The ancient game board was etched onto a large marble block measuring approximately 0.77 meters in length, 0.38 meters in height, and 0.41 meters in depth. While the side and bottom faces of the stone were roughly finished, the top surface was meticulously smoothed and polished. Notably, the board was installed in the lowest tier of a late antique wall as a spolia—meaning it was reused material from an earlier structure.
Research and Cultural Significance
The study was conducted by Gonca Gülsefa from Uludağ University in Bursa. On the front side of the stone, a geometric pattern for the 'Nine Foxes' game is visible. This two-player contest involves each participant having nine pieces, with the objective being to align three pieces in a row.
Apollonia, where this unique game board was found, was a coastal city in Bithynia. Its infrastructure included:
- A stadium
- A theater
- Temples
This underscores the city’s pivotal role in fostering culture and society during antiquity. The discovery promises fresh insights into ancient games and pastimes, as well as their social importance for Apollonia’s inhabitants.
The unearthing of this ancient game board not only reaffirms Apollonia’s cultural value but also opens new avenues for exploring the social dimensions of its residents' lives. The 'Nine Foxes' game, popular across various cultures, can help shed light on how entertainment and play reflected social bonds and interactions in ancient society. This research may mark a key step in understanding the daily lives of people from bygone eras.