The History of Backgammon
Backgammon is a popular board game because it is very easy to play and at the same time very exciting and challenging, but many people don't have any idea about its history and origins. It may surprise you to know that backgammon is one of the oldest games in history and has been played for thousands of years. In fact, one of the oldest civilizations in the world, the Sumerians, play a game similar to modern-day backgammon as proven by archaeological excavations. The ancient Romans and Egyptians also play the game, which they called Senet or Tabula.
The game was thought to have originated in Greece, though others claim that it originated in what is now modern-day Iraq between the 30th and 18th century B.C. So it can be said that backgammon is about 5000 years old, centuries older than the casinos and commercial gaming.
During those times, backgammon or whatever the game was called then was a favorite game of royalty and nobility. The game was played by the upper classes of society back then, so you can get the idea that backgammon has somewhat "noble" origins. Nowadays, people from all races and all walks of life play the game.
It may also surprise you a bit to know that backgammon was once illegal in Japan. Banning a game nowadays is unthinkable. Just think what would be the reaction of people all around the world if someone tries to outlaw a harmless and enjoyable game like backgammon.
In the early 20th century, the addition of the Doubling cube made the game even more exciting and challenging for backgammon lovers. By the 1960s, backgammon has grown so much in popularity that the game started to be included in casinos and gaming establishments. The introduction of the Internet and its subsequent widespread use also led to the rise of web sites and online services offering online backgammon games.
It's good to know that even with the introduction of computer games, the popularity of board games like backgammon hasn't waned a bit and has even grown by leaps and bounds. Advances in technology like computers has instead contributed in spreading the game in many parts of the globe, as proven by the proliferation of gaming sites in the Internet. You can even buy electronic handheld backgammon games which is similar to a small computer you can carry anywhere.
The future of backgammon looks promising, thanks to its long and rich history. With more and more people playing backgammon and showing keen interest in the game, it seems like backgammon's place in gaming history is as good as secure.