Game Board Discovered Inside a Moroccan Bathhouse
A team of researchers—Tim Penn, Corisande Fenwick, and Hassan Limane—has uncovered a game board carved into the step of a hammam in Morocco, dating from the late 8th to early 9th century. This find is believed to be the earliest evidence of a tab/sig type game in North Africa. The board measures roughly 34 centimeters by 9.5 centimeters and features three rows containing at least 13 shallow pits.
The bathhouse where the board was found was built in the late 8th or early 9th century CE. It remained in use until the 10th or 11th century before being abandoned. This hammam was part of a larger outdoor complex that included courtyard buildings. Led by Tim Penn, the discovery is significant for understanding the region’s gaming culture, as the board most closely resembles a playing field for tab/sig.
Historical Importance of the Find
This find adds fresh insight into the history of games in North Africa, as it represents the earliest known example of such a game in this area. Previously, NV Techno reported the discovery of a unique Roman-era board game in Apollonia ad Rhyndacum (Turkey), which also underscores the value of research in this field. That ancient game board, carved into a high-quality marble block, measures about 0.77 meters in length, 0.38 meters in height, and 0.41 meters in depth.
This discovery not only expands our knowledge of gaming history but also opens new avenues for studying North African cultural traditions. The series of small pits carved into the bathhouse step has the potential to reshape our understanding of the social and cultural practices of people at that time. Research continues, and further finds may broaden our perspective on this subject even more.
The unearthing of the game board in Morocco represents a major contribution to the study of gaming history and cultural traditions in North Africa. Research into such artifacts can help reveal connections between social practices and the games played in the past. It also highlights the importance of preserving archaeological sites that provide valuable information about the daily lives of ancient civilizations. Discoveries like this encourage further investigation and could serve as a foundation for broader cultural and historical studies in the region.
In addition to this remarkable discovery in Morocco, insights into ancient gaming culture have been further enriched by the recent unearthing of a game board in Turkey, dating back over 1,500 years. This find not only highlights the significance of board games across different regions but also emphasizes the cultural connections that may have existed. For a deeper understanding of this fascinating topic, explore the details of the ancient Turkish game board.