royal game of Ur

board game

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Last updated

July 22, 2026

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The Royal Game of Ur is one of the oldest known board games, originating in ancient Mesopotamia around 2600 BCE. It was played on a distinctive board with a specific layout of squares and is believed to have been a game of strategy and chance, possibly involving dice.12

The game was popular across Mesopotamia, including in the city of Ur, which was a significant urban center. Archaeological discoveries, particularly from the Royal Cemetery of Ur, have provided valuable insights into the game's existence and the treasures associated with it, such as beautifully crafted game boards. The game's popularity waned over time, and it eventually fell out of common play.12

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List of Children’s Games and Toys in Antiquity
Board games
…have found is called the royal game of Ur (since it was first found in the royal cemetery at Ur) or the game of 20 squares. The board consisted of a three-by-four grid connected by two squares to a three-by-two grid. The goal of the game was to move your…
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…have found is called the royal game of Ur (since it was first found in the royal cemetery at Ur) or the game of 20 squares. The board consisted of a three-by-four grid connected by two squares to a three-by-two grid. The goal of the game was to move your…
Read More