Africa is home to the world’s earliest known use of measuring and calculation, confirming the continent as the birthplace of both basic and advanced mathematics. This also would include certain games played in ancient times.
Gebet’a, also known as Mancala, is a captivating and ancient game that belongs to the family of two-player turn-based strategy board games. It is played with small stones, beans, or seeds and involves rows of holes or pits on the earth, a board, or other playing surfaces. The primary objective of the game typically revolves around capturing all or a specific set of the opponent’s pieces. With evidence tracing back to Ancient Egypt and a history that spans over centuries, this game holds a significant place as one of the oldest known games still widely played today.
Ancient Mancala boards have been discovered in various regions, painting a rich historical tapestry. Historical and archaeological findings suggest that the roots of Mancala can be traced back to the year 700 AD in East Africa. Notably, Mancala boards have been unearthed in Aksumite settlements in Matara, Eritrea, and Yeha, Ethiopia. Even more fascinating is the discovery of the oldest Mancala boards in An Ghazal, Jordan, dating back to as early as 5,870 BC, found in the floor of a Neolithic dwelling.
The gameplay of Mancala exhibits a remarkable commonality across most of its variants. Players commence the game by placing a specified number of seeds, as prescribed by the particular game, in each of the pits on the game board. A pivotal aspect of the game involves the players’ ability to strategically count the stones to plot their moves. A turn in Mancala consists of removing all seeds from a pit, sowing the seeds (placing one in each of the following pits in sequence), and capturing based on the state of the board. Ultimately, the game’s objective is to sow the most seeds in the bank, giving rise to the English phrase “count and capture,” which succinctly encapsulates the essence of the gameplay.
The enduring appeal of Gebet’a/Mancala is evident in its continued popularity, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries. It serves as a testament to the timeless allure of strategic board games and their profound ability to bring people together in friendly competition and intellectual engagement. As an embodiment of ancient traditions and strategic acumen, Gebet’a/Mancala stands as a revered and cherished pursuit, inviting enthusiasts to partake in its rich historical legacy.
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