Mancala is a fun and easy game that has been loved for ages. In fact, it's one of the oldest known games in the world.
If you love playing mancala, you'll be interested to know its story and how it became so popular. Read on to learn more about mancala origin!
Mancala Origin and History
Mancala is one of the oldest known two-player board games in the world. It is believed that the game began in ancient Africa.
Evidence of the ancient board game has been found dating back to the year 700 AD. These archeological treasures were first found in Aksumite settlements in Matara, Eritrea) and Yeha, Ethiopia.
It is believed that Arabian traders brought the game with them when traveling to distant lands. The game's modern version, "Mancala," is a derivative of an Arabic word - Naqala, which means "to move."
Its name seems to be quite suitable as this ancient game was quickly adopted around the world. In fact, the travels of Arabian traders helped cement the game's international popularity.
Even hundreds of years ago, this beloved game was commonly played in a variety of countries in southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, the Baltic states, and North America.
While mancala took longer to catch on in Europe, it continued to grow elsewhere. Its simple and enjoyable nature contributed to its popularity.
These historical origins map the story of a game played thousands of years ago. From a single point of creation to its vast consumption across the world, this ancient game bears little difference from the version played today in your own home.
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| Carved Wood Mancala Board with Handle |
Modern Gameplay
Mancala was believed to have been brought to the United States along with the enslaved African people. Today, it's still one of the most widely played board games in the world.
Beautiful mancala boards are available online and delivered to your door with the click of a button. This is far different from the amount of effort that was once required.
While the name of the game may change, the traditional mancala board has largely stayed the same. Its modern version, which is most commonly played in the west, is commonly referred to as Kalah.
This "count and capture" game was introduced to the American market in the 1940s. It was both easy to play and easy to love. Quickly, Kalah became a popular pastime and is still the most popular Mancala game in the western hemisphere.
Mancala: The Legend Continues
Through the ages, the appeal of mancala has never disappeared. This simple game has been played by both kings and commoners and still brings joy to modern players.
If you're new to it, learning the rules is simple. If you're an experienced player, you may have an interest in gameplay strategy.
Regardless, our website offers great insight into the magical world of mancala. To learn more about mancala origin or improve your technique, check out our other posts for helpful tips.
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