MEDIEVAL GAMES

Alquerque

Medieval strategy game

This game has very ancient origins. According to archaeological findings, it dates back at least to the time of Pharaoh Ramses I, but was introduced to Spain during Muslim rule and then Alquerque spreads to other European countries. The rules were acquired from the Libro de los juegos commissioned by Alfonso X of Castile in the thirteenth century. It can be considered an ancestor of draughts.

Three in a row

Medieval strategy game

This is a medieval version of Terni Lapilli and also an ancestor of the modern Tic-Tac-Toe. In the Libro de los juegos this game was named: Alqueque de Tres. There are versions in crossed lines and also boxes, but not a circular version .

Mill

Medieval strategy game

Mill is basically a medieval version of the Roman game Tria: the modern Nine Men’s Morris. It is the most recorded game among those engraved on the stones of medieval monuments, especially in sentry posts and in church cloisters. It is played with nine pieces, in fact in the Libro de los juegos it was named Alqueque de Nueve.

The Fox and Geese

Medieval hunting game

This game descends from the ancient Nordic game called Halatafl, derived itself from Hnefatafl, and was mentioned in the Libro de los juegos as De Cercar the Liebre. The aim of the game is different for the two players, like a hunting simulation.

Tablut

Medieval strategy game

Tablut derived from the Viking game Hnefatafl and it was played in Northern Europe during medieval times; it is also known as Linnaeus. The game symbolizes the confrontation between two strongly different sides: the opponents are confronted with unequal weapons, according to unequal rules, so the players have a different set of pieces, movement and goals.

Tables

Medieval race board game

Tables is one of the medieval versions of the Roman Tabula. In the Libro de los juegos there are fifteen variants of this game and it is drawn in various medieval paintings and codes. This game is the most direct ancestor of the modern Backgammon, but it is played in a different and more exciting way.

Table of the Four Seasons

Medieval race board game

This board game is the sole medieval one for four players. In the Libro de los juegos it was described as a game of the tables family. Each player chooses a colour corresponding to a season and takes a place in its sector. This game is an ancestor of the modern backgammon as well, but since it’s for four players, the game has a different strategy and is more exiting.

Table of Astronomy

Medieval race board game

This board game is the sole medieval one for seven players. In the Libro de los juegos it was described as a game of the tables family. Each player chooses a colour corresponding to a planet and takes a place in its sector. The aim of the game is to win all the items of the other players. This game is also an ancestor of the modern backgammon, but with seven players the game’s strategy is totally different.

The Zara

Medieval dice game

The Zara was the most common and popular gambling dice game in the Middle Ages; it was so in vogue to deserve a mention by Dante Alighieri too. The set consists of three wooden handmade dice, pouch and booklet with rules and anecdotes, including the verse of Dante; you can also order the game with a Dice Cup.