The Ancient Game of Fate: Exploring History’s Earliest Games of Destiny

Thousands of years ago, long before any book of strategy existed, small carved boards and painted cards let people know whether fate in a duel, or in everyday family life, would break or bless them. Archaeologists say each generation accepted these contests as a sign of destiny: whoever got the winning throw might claim fortune itself. Hundreds of years ago, travellers even wrote of someone who stole a magical tarot and vanished.

Senet, the earliest accepted board of destiny, arrived in Egypt about 5,000 years ago. Players love the magical split sticks that show possible moves; when a soul reached square 30 the contest ended, yet legend warns that a hidden curse could still cost them the after-life.

In Mesopotamia, the Royal Game of Ur shows how a deck of clay tiles could decide time itself. Rosette squares sign victory, but a careless turn can undo hard-won progress; baked tablets set out the rules in detail and even mention a son who came to find an additional omen.

By the 1790s, The Game of Hope evolved into cards we still call the Lenormand tarot deck from fate. Every draw offers a view of life, love and loss; the cost is low enough that months of relaxed play fit inside one pocket book.

Today’s roguelike worlds echo those ancient boards. We may never truly know fate, yet we still play, because trying to break her ancient riddle lets every member of your family feel that what once came with a terrible warning can still guide us. In the end, each turn of this timeless contest reminds us the future is never clear, yet always possible.