The Persian game of 58 holes

Board games were very popular in Egypt and the Near East. They exist in several variants, with cells or holes for the pieces. The Near Eastern material, often incomplete, can be understood through the data from Egypt. This example of what is called "the game of 58 holes" was discovered in Necropolis B at Tepe Sialk in Kashan, central Iran, and it is the form of board game most frequently found in that country. With its wide geographical and temporal distribution, the basic game developed into several versions.

 

The "game of 58 holes"

The modern terms for these ancient board games most often derive from the game board itself, as for instance "the game of 20 squares" or "the game of 58 holes." The latter refers to the two tracks of 29 positions marked by holes, laid out symmetrically on the board. The players, each provided with five pegs and dice, had to reach the finish, a common end-point, by moving their pieces along their respective tracks. Some of the positions have inlaid motifs or inscriptions, and some are connected together, marking particular stages in the progress along the board. 

 

Use in divination

The board and its pieces were not used only for playing games. They might also be used in divination and in funerary rituals. The throw of the dice or knucklebones, which determined the movement of pegs or pawns, would in these cases be taken as an expression of divine will. 

 

Necropolis B at Tepe Sialk

This game board, without accompanying pieces, comes from a pillaged tomb in Necropolis B at Tepe Sialk. The archaeological material is unfortunately often incomplete, not only because some pieces were perishable, but because others were not identified as such. The Near Eastern material can be explained by reference to data from Egypt, where relevant texts and images and the games themselves have all survived better, thanks to the climatic conditions. 

Games were a choice funerary offering to accompany the deceased on his journey to the hereafter.

(Source: Louvre Museum, Department of Near Eastern Antiquities)