How gambling games helped warriors of Egypt and other regions of the ancient world cope with stress
It seems that the daily life of an ancient warrior was not only about battles and strenuous training. In reality, gambling entertainment played a significant role in their everyday routines. Various civilizations of the Ancient World created special traditions of games that became an integral part of military culture. What were these activities for fighters—a simple means of relief or a strategic tool for team cohesion? Our analytical review will tell about this.
What gambling games were like in Ancient Egypt
Modern archaeologists believe that Egyptian society was exceptionally fascinated by games of chance. Images of game boards, dice, and special figurines can be found on almost all significant monuments of the era. Representatives of the military class were especially interested in these games. Frequent campaigns and prolonged encampments required psychological release.
According to experts, the most common among Egyptians were three board pastimes:
- Senet: This game is often called the ancestor of modern board strategies, although the rules are only partially known. Players moved pieces on a board of 30 squares, trying to anticipate the opponent’s moves and the outcome of stick or dice throws. Many artifacts have led scholars to suppose that for warriors, senet was a training of self-control and calculation.
- Tjau: This game is close to chess in terms of the arrangement of pieces and moving them through conquered sections of the board. Detailed instructions have not survived, but it is known that it required observation and attentiveness.
- Mehen: Structurally reminiscent of roulette. A game disk with recesses into which balls or figurines were thrown. The element of chance was especially appealing to weary soldiers as it symbolized fate, beyond human control.
Ancient dice games deserve special mention. According to Egyptologists, dice were made not only from animal bones but also from stone, making them more durable. The shape of such dice could be multifaceted or even close to spherical. The use of dice was associated with belief in destiny and protection against evil spirits.
Warriors participated in gambling games as a company, competing among themselves and with representatives of other estates. Historians note that thanks to the games, soldiers received not only rest but also experience in team tactics, which they later transferred to the battlefield.
How myths merged with competitions in Ancient Greece
In Ancient Greece, a passion for games was considered a trait bestowed by the gods. This is evidenced by ancient myths, where Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades divided power over the world by simply playing a game of dice. Passion for gambling permeated all levels of Hellenic society. Scientists cite research according to which the largest cities had special spaces—prototypes of modern gambling houses.
For warriors, three main pastimes stood out:
- Dice: a direct prototype of modern games with cubes. Stone and bone dice found in Athens and Sparta accompanied soldiers even on distant campaigns. Battles with dice were a source of adrenaline and competition.
- Barbut: presumably an analogue of today’s craps game. The game would unfold on the eve of campaigns or competitions, reminding heroes of the unpredictability of the future.
- Tellya: a type of backgammon that combined the strategy of moving pieces over long distances and the excitement of an instant throw of markers. Historians see in this a reflection of military training through play.
A special place in the cultural life of warriors was held by the totalizator. Greeks placed bets on the outcome of the Olympic Games or street fights. This allowed the use of gambling as a way to train intuition and a sense of competition. Even in the breaks between battles, young warriors would find ways to try their luck. Competitions and betting became an integral part of their interaction.
Ancient Rome was not far behind
In Rome, the military and gambling spirit were especially closely intertwined. According to most modern historians, any Roman army was characterized by a high level of cohesion, and games were regarded as a means of strengthening group spirit. Warriors participated in simple guessing games that involved nuts, pebbles, coins, and any available items.
Two types of games were most common:
- Guessing games: the player had to determine how many items were hidden in the opponent’s hand or how a tossed item would fall. Quick reactions and attention helped maintain combat spirit between training sessions.
- Dice games: Soldiers held tournaments with minimal bets among themselves. The use of dice with different numbers of sides allowed for varied rules. The winner was the one who scored the highest number or a six. Such competitions were accompanied by lively discussion of tactics and outcomes, developing critical thinking.
In Roman popular culture, gambling appeared through bets on gladiator fights, sporting contests, and animal battles. Sources indicate that superstitions and rituals accompanied each game. Gatherings turned into spectacular festivals of military camaraderie. Some details of how the games were held remain a topic of debate among researchers, as most rules are reconstructed from fragments of artifacts and descriptions in ancient Roman literature.
What has changed since ancient times?
Video games and gambling entertainment have come a long way in their development—from primitive barbut to thousands of games in modern online casinos. This evolution is especially evident in the field of gambling entertainment. In the past, it was impossible to imagine playing casino games from home, but modern technology has made it possible. The iGaming industry has become particularly popular due to the general trend toward simplification. This has also affected the choice of genres, as people seek simple yet exciting gameplay. According to the data on this site, the live game Crazy Time is very popular. Various slots and crash games are also examples of simple gameplay. There is no doubt that even people from those distant times would be able to quickly understand the rules of these and many other modern games.
Recent studies show that gambling contributed to the development of strategic thinking. It strengthened trust between participants and helped them cope with stress. These games have proven to be surprisingly resilient: thousands of years later, elements of these ancient traditions continue to inspire new generations. Can it be said that it was play that taught ancient warriors adaptation and the art of teamwork?
This perspective helps not only to understand the essence of ancient entertainment but also to draw unexpected parallels with today’s leisure culture, where gambling still brings people together and entertains.
In conclusion, it should be noted that in our article we did not address the Asian region, which is also home to many ancient civilizations. Asian games and inspiring myths for the gaming industry are a large, separate topic. We will address it in upcoming materials.
