In Which Asian Country Was Backgammon Invented?

Fuse/n/a/Getty Images

According to Payvand News, the oldest backgammon set so far known to historians was found in Burnt City in Sistan-Baluchistan province, in southeastern Iran. The artifacts, which date from around 3,000 B.C., include two dice and 60 checkers.

The Romans also played a version of backgammon called “duodecim scripta et tabulae,” or “tables.” The game has been popular all over the world, although often with rule variations and different names. Some Asian countries that have historically embraced the game include China and Japan. The exact origin of the game is unknown, as it may have been played even before the time of the relics that were uncovered in Iran.