It’s common to assume that gaming is something of a new phenomenon. In fact, historians in the excavations and discovery of ancient records around the world have been able to rule out this assumption. Many of the forms of traditional entertainment we see today have been around for centuries.
For example, the royal game of Ur, which is a popular game in Iraq to this day, appears to date from the 3rd century BC. A game board and equipment from this period that was discovered in the early 20th century is believed to be one of the oldest examples of game equipment found in the world today.
Over the centuries, the original and traditional pastimes played in a variety of countries have been modified and varied into different versions of the original. For example, around the time of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Roman emperor Claudius is recorded to have played a game known as Tabula.
The game of Tabula, which was so common back then, is now believed to be an early version of the modern game of Backgammon. It is quite amazing to realize that the amusements we love today were so popular in the days of our ancestors!
This kind of entertainment from all over the world is also featured quite frequently in some historical events. England has seen bowling on its shores for many, many years and it features prominently in the featured story of Sir Frances Drake.
In English history, the 16th century was a turbulent time with England at war with neighboring Spain. In 1588, the Spanish attempted to invade England using their Armada. Sir Frances Drake is reported to have said “There is still time to finish the game and beat the Spanish too”, while he was bowling at Plymouth as the Spanish fleet advanced towards the English shores.
In addition to the traditional ways in which we entertain ourselves, the video game generation is now at the forefront. Video game consoles had been around in a simple form since the 1950s and became a popular form of home entertainment during the 1970s. I still remember sitting down with my own console playing a game of tennis as a kid (which are some of the happiest memories I have!). Nowadays we have very advanced consoles to enjoy and as time goes by, they are getting more and more advanced.
Whether you enjoy traditional games or modern, electric ones, it’s pretty clear that this type of entertainment will be around for many, many years to come.