What are the odds? Neolithic “game boards” from the Levant

Abstract

A total of 14 Neolithic sites have reported 51 game boards, ranging geographically from mid-7th millennium Shir in west-central Syria and Chaga Safid in western Iran to early 8th millennium at Wadi Hamarash 1 above the Wadi al-Hasa, and at Beidha in southern Jordan to Wadi Tbeik in the southern Sinai. Several sites have also reported possible pieces or tokens that may have played roles in board games. It is, on the other hand, just as likely that the game boards had a more serious purpose that involved the fate of communities.