Homepage Timeline Maps A-Z index Learning

Naqada

A gaming board UC 20453 (Naqada III or Early Dynastic, about 3000 BC); exact findspot is not known

UC 20453, game board

UC 20453

The game (see games) was called mehen (mHn).
It was played in the predynastic, Early Dynastic and early Old Kingdom only.
It is again depicted in tombs of the 26th Dynasty, but the shape of the board seems to have been misinterpreted as a vase, presumably because the artist has copied an Old Kingdom relief without ever having seen the game itself.

It was used together with six lions (sometimes other animals) and six sets of balls/marbles.

Gaming pieces found in different tombs at Abydos
tomb 156
tomb 507


 

Copyright © 2001 University College London. All rights reserved.