Olusegun Taiye James
The persistent popularity of board games provides a concrete connection to the past in a world when digital entertainment is by far the most prevalent form of entertainment. It may come as a surprise to learn that many of the games that we play now have their origins dating back millennia. While we are looking ahead to the year 2025, it is fascinating to think about the ancient beginnings of these well-liked activities. The following is a list of ten of the oldest board games that are still being played today all around the world:
List Of Top 10 Oldest Board Games Still Played In The World 2025
1. Senet
With evidence dating back more than five thousand years, Senet is considered to be the oldest board game that has ever been discovered. It originated in ancient Egypt. Senet boards have been discovered in burials dating back to the predynastic and First Dynasty periods. They have also been discovered in the tomb of Tutankhamun. Modern reconstructions make it possible for us to experience this ancient game of strategy, which may even have had spiritual meaning, as some people believe that it represented the journey that the soul takes through the afterlife. However, the exact rules continue to be a topic of controversy among members of the academic community.
2. Checkers
It is claimed that the present game of Checkers or Draughts originated from the medieval game of Alquerque, to which there is evidence dating back to ancient Egypt. However, the actual origins of this game are still a matter of contention. As a result of its straightforward yet strategic gameplay, which consists of capturing the pieces of an opponent by hopping over them, it has been a prominent pastime for centuries and continues to be enjoyed all over the world.
3. Hounds and Jackals
Jackals and Hounds (about the year 2000 BCE) This ancient Egyptian game, which is also known as Jackals and Dogs, may be considerably earlier than was first assumed, with findings in Azerbaijan possibly predating the Egyptian versions. The evidence implies that this game may have predated the Egyptian variants. The objective of the game is to be the first player to get all of their pieces to the end of the track. The game consists of racing pieces along a track. Its extensive popularity is demonstrated by the fact that it was present in a variety of other ancient cultures.
4. Nine men’s morris
The Morris in Nine Men’s Roman Empire period most likely. There is evidence that Nine Men’s Morris boards were carved into surfaces that date back to the Roman Empire. This suggests that the game has been popular for almost two millennia. As part of this strategic game, players must create lines of three (also known as “mills”) in order to eliminate the pieces of their opponent. Due to the fact that its rules are reasonably straightforward and the gameplay is interesting, it has managed to endure over the years.
5. Catan
The persistent allure of a well-crafted board game continues to be a comforting constant in a world that is inundated with digital entertainment. Among the modern classics that have won the affection and attention of millions of people, Catan stands out as a particular favorite. This deceptively straightforward game of resource management, commerce, and strategic settlement, which was initially released in Germany in 1995 under the name “Die Siedler von Catan,” continues to thrive in the year 2025, bringing people together around tables all over the world for the sake of amicable (and occasionally fiercely competitive) island building.
6. Chess
In the year 2025, chess remains a timeless monument to intellectual engagement, even in the middle of the maelstrom of technological developments and transient digital trends that are becoming increasingly prevalent. This ancient game of strategy and tactics has been captivating minds across nations and generations for more than a millennium, and its enduring allure shows no signs of diminishing any time soon. Chess presents a significant and rewarding challenge in a world that is becoming increasingly driven by rapid pleasure. It is a fight of wits that is fought out on a checkered battlefield between two player pieces.
7. Liubo
Throughout the great fabric of human history, innumerable games have sprung into existence, captivated generations of people, and ultimately vanished into the mists of past history. Nevertheless, the fascination of rediscovering these ancient pleasures continues to be great since it provides a concrete connection to our ancestors as well as a glimpse into their leisure activities and their way of thinking strategically. One of the games that maintains a particularly intriguing place among these mysterious games is Liubo (六博), which is a historic Chinese board game. Despite the fact that the specific rules have been lost to history for the most part, ongoing study and contemporary reconstructions are gradually bringing this game, which was once quite popular, back into the spotlight in the year 2025.
8. Snakes and Ladders
Within the dynamic and ever-changing universe of tabletop games, Snakes and Ladders stands out as an enduring classic. It is a game of chance that is both straightforward and engaging, and it has pleased generations of people from varied cultural backgrounds. This game continues to exemplify the unpredictable character of life’s journey, where fortunes can increase with a fortuitous climb or fall with a slithering tumble. Its origins date back to ancient times in India, and it is now widely used in homes and classrooms all across the world in the year 2025.
9. Mehen
The universe of ancient board games is large and fascinating, but Mehen is one of the few games that holds as much mystery and intrigue as it does. This so-called “Serpent Game” was played for centuries in ancient Egypt during the Predynastic period, maybe as early as 3000 BCE. However, it appears to have lost its popularity after the Old Kingdom, which occurred approximately 2300 BCE. Even while the specific rules of this mysterious sport continue to be a fascinating mystery, archeological finds and diligent research continue to provide light on this cryptic pastime as we approach the year 2025.
10. Backgammon
Within the ever-evolving realm of video games, where new digital experiences and intricate strategic behemoths are continually being introduced, Backgammon stands out as an enduring classic. Its popularity has been around for almost five millennia, and it continues to be popular today. It is the rhythmic click of checkers and the decisive roll of dice that continue to define this delicate blend of chance and skill in the year 2025. This elegant blend can be found everywhere from the bustling coffee shops of Europe to the quiet corners of homes all across the world.
