Egyptian Board Game - Senet

Senet is considered one of the earliest board games in history, originating during Ancient Egypt's Predynastic Period (c. 3100 BCE). It was more than a pastime; it held deep religious significance. The game was often associated with the journey to the afterlife, symbolising the soul’s transition through the challenges faced in the underworld.

Senet boards have been found in the tombs of Egyptian royalty and elite figures, demonstrating its popularity among the upper classes. The game also had spiritual ties, as it was believed to reflect the interaction between humans and the divine.

Key Features:

• Handcrafted Wooden Box: A stunning wooden box with a pull-out drawer for storing game pieces, throwing sticks, and dice.
• Complete Set: Includes game pieces, throwing sticks, a dice, rules, and a photocopiable board template, making it perfect for learning or display.
• Historically Inspired Design: The Senet board is based on artefacts found in Ancient Egyptian tombs, including those of Ramses III and Tutankhamun.

How to Play:

1. Objective: The aim of the game is to move all your pieces from the starting square to the final square on the board. The game involves strategy, dice rolls, and a bit of luck.

2. Setup:

   • Place the board between two players, each with 5 pieces.
   • Each player places their pieces on the first row of the board.
   • The first player rolls the dice to begin.

3. Gameplay:

   • Players take turns rolling the dice and moving one of their pieces forward by the number rolled.
   • A piece can only move forward by the number of spaces indicated by the dice.
   • Some squares on the board have special effects (e.g., safe squares, blocked squares, etc.). If a player lands on a square that has a special effect, they must follow the instructions indicated on the square.

4. The Role of Throwing Sticks:

   • The game often uses throwing sticks instead of a dice. Players throw the sticks to determine how many spaces they can move. The sticks are typically marked to represent numbers.
   • The number rolled on the sticks can vary, and players must adjust their moves accordingly.

5. Winning the Game:

   • The first player to move all their pieces to the final square is the winner. However, to land on the final square, a player must roll the exact number needed. If a player overshoots, they must move back.

Additional Notes:

This beautiful Senet set combines history, culture, and strategy into an elegant educational tool or family game. The inclusion of a photocopiable board template allows for customisation and creative classroom projects.

Bring Ancient Egypt to life with this handcrafted, historically inspired board game!