Hidden in the tombs of pharaohs and the settlements of ancient Egypt lies a game that was as strategic as it was fascinating: Aseb, often called the Game of 20 Squares. Much like its more famous relative, Senet, Aseb was more than just a pastime. It was a reflection of life, death, and the soul’s eternal journey. Let’s delve into the world of this ancient race game and uncover its secrets.
Origins and Spread: A Journey Through the Ancient Near East
Archaeological finds date the Aseb game to Egypt’s Middle Kingdom (c. 2055–1650 BCE). It belongs to the family of “race games,” where the objective is to move all of one’s pieces off the board before the opponent does.
What’s most fascinating about Aseb is its close relationship with the Sumerian Royal Game of Ur, one of the oldest board games known to humanity. The boards are so similar that researchers believe there was direct cultural exchange between Mesopotamia and Egypt. While the Royal Game of Ur had a fixed path, the Aseb board appears to have a slightly different arrangement of squares, suggesting an Egyptian adaptation of the concept.
The game boards themselves were often works of art, crafted from wood, ivory, or glazed ceramic (faience), reflecting the high status of their owners. However, simpler versions scratched into stone or clay prove that Aseb was played across all social classes.
Rules and Strategy: A Race to the Afterlife
Although no complete written rules have survived, Egyptologists have been able to reconstruct the gameplay by analyzing game boards and comparing them to similar games:
Players and Pieces: Two players competed, each with five or seven pieces.
Casting Lots: Instead of modern dice, the Egyptians used four or five casting sticks (throw sticks) or astragali (knucklebones from sheep) to determine movement.
Gameplay: Players entered their pieces onto the board and moved them along a set path across the 20 squares. The goal was to be the first to bear all of one’s pieces safely off the board.
Special Squares: Certain squares, often marked with rosettes or other hieroglyphs, held special significance. They could act as a safe spot, grant an extra turn, or be used to block an opponent. This added a layer of tactical depth to the luck of the throw.
More Than a Game: The Spiritual Significance of Aseb
Just like Senet, Aseb was frequently found in tombs as a grave good. This points to its profound spiritual meaning. The Egyptians believed the game represented the soul’s symbolic journey through the afterlife (the Duat). Each move was a step on the path to rebirth, and the marked squares represented either obstacles or divine aid on this perilous journey.
A successful game was therefore not just a victory over an opponent, but also an omen for successfully passing the trials of the underworld. The name “Aseb” itself is not fully understood today but may be related to the Egyptian word for “to count” or “to reckon.”
Aseb in the Context of Ancient Games
When compared to other games of its time, Aseb stands out for its international spread and its clear structure as a race game:
Aseb vs. Senet: While Senet, with its 30 squares, represents a longer, meandering path, the track in Aseb is shorter and more direct. Both, however, share the deeply ingrained symbolism of the journey to the afterlife.
Aseb vs. The Royal Game of Ur: These two games are so closely related that they can be considered regional variants of the same core concept. They are a powerful example of the exchange of ideas and the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations.
The Legacy of the 20 Squares
The Game of 20 Squares is a stunning testament to the complexity and cultural richness of ancient Egypt. It shows us that, thousands of years ago, games were far more than mere entertainment. They were teaching tools, social rituals, and spiritual instruments. Aseb opens a window into a world where a simple throw of sticks could decide one’s fate, both in this life and the next.