New evidence suggests ancient Egyptian board game originated in Azerbaijan

The 4,000-year-old board game known as "Hounds and Jackals" or "58 Holes" was a popular pastime during the time of the pharaohs, enjoyed by both the elite and commoners across the Middle East.

For years, archaeologists believed that the game originated in Egypt. However, new research points to Azerbaijan as the game's true origin, with evidence suggesting it spread to Egypt from there. These findings were recently published in The European Journal of Archaeology. 

"The long-held belief that the game first appeared in Egypt is being challenged, with researchers now favoring a Southwestern Asian origin," the study noted.

To date, 70 game artifacts have been found across the Middle East. One of the earliest examples was uncovered in the tomb of an Egyptian official who lived between 2064 and 1952 BC. However, experts now believe that similar game pieces discovered in Azerbaijan predate this period.

An analysis of three sets of game pieces found at an archaeological site in Agdasduzu, Azerbaijan, suggests that they could date back as far as 2500 BC, making the region a likely birthplace of the game.

"Regardless of its precise origin, the game of 58 holes quickly gained popularity and was adopted by various cultures," scientists commented, according to a report in The Independent. 

“The fast spread of this game attests to the ability of games to act as social lubricants, facilitating interactions across social boundaries,” they said.