Mesopotamia is believed to be the place where Backgammon was originated from. It is also believed that the game first came into existence about 5,000 years ago. This proves that Backgammon is the oldest board game known to mankind.
Ever since its introduction, Backgammon has spread to different parts of the world. What makes this game even more interesting is the fact that different cultures have modified the Backgammon game to suit their own style and preference.
‘Backgammon ‘is a name derived from the Welsh term ‘wee battle’. However, many surveys also suggest that the game has a host of different names. History books state that the slave class of Greece and Egypt played a game similar to Backgammon. The game was then known as ‘senat’. On the other hand, the Romans called ‘backgammon’ as ‘bac gamen’. It is believed that, the Persians picked up backgammon from the Roman civilization. In Persia, backgammon was played with the help of two dice and it was known as ‘battle of wood’.
Backgammon has also had its share of controversies throughout these years. Infact, historians state that there were lots of efforts taken by the Church to ban the game. However, every attempt to ban backgammon failed miserably. Back in the 16th century, Cardinal Woolsey ordered that all backgammon boards be burned. The game was termed as ‘the devil’s folly’. However, Woolsey was not aware that burning the backgammon boards was not enough. Backgammon board could be easily drawn on sand or in dirt. Small pebbles are good enough to play the game. Hence, burning backgammon boards turned out to be a failure. Infact, this decision helped many backgammon enthusiastic to come up with creative and innovative boards.
The English came up with a backgammon board which could be folded. Once folded, the board looked just like a book from the outside. Even today, foldable backgammon boards are available in the market. The English were also responsible for spreading the game to many parts of the world during the 1700s. As a large part of the world was under the British rule during that era, the game travelled everywhere alongwith the British officers and their families. It was the British that got backgammon to America.
Today, the game of Backgammon has reached almost every household. Internet has a lot to do with this widespread of the game. Backgammon is now played online. The concept of online backgammon has indeed played a vital role in attracting a new set of fans to the game. It has also given players a chance to make money as a number of backgammon tournaments are held online.
Centuries have passed and backgammon has gone through many changes and modifications. However, what stands out is that even today the game has maintained its popularity amongst people. It is also one of the few board games that is played in almost every part of the world.
