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| Archaeologists at Ptolemais, Libya, document ancient ruins where more than 100 carved stone game boards were uncovered. © The Libya Observer |
In April 2026, a Polish archaeological mission led by Zofia Kowarska from the University of Warsaw announced a remarkable discovery in Tolmeita, Libya—the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Ptolemais. Excavations revealed over 100 carved stone game boards, shedding light on the recreational habits of its inhabitants.
The boards were found carved into stone blocks, walls, and columns across public spaces. They feature small circular holes arranged in geometric patterns, with formats like 3×3 and 5×5 grids. These resemble games similar to tic-tac-toe, checkers, and mancala-style games, suggesting that gaming was not just private entertainment but a communal activity in the city’s squares and gathering places.
The sheer number of boards—many clustered together—indicates that gaming was widespread and socially significant. This discovery adds a human dimension to our understanding of ancient urban life, showing that leisure and play were integral to community interaction, much like sports or cafés today.
The find also highlights the resilience of archaeology in Libya, where excavations resumed in 2023 after years of interruption. The unexpected abundance of game boards exceeded researchers’ expectations, offering a rare glimpse into the daily lives of ordinary citizens rather than elites or rulers.
📊 Comparison Table: Ancient Leisure Practices
| Aspect | Ptolemais (Libya) | Classical Greece | Rome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Games | Carved stone boards (tic-tac-toe, mancala-like) | Dice, knucklebones, board games | Dice, gambling, board games |
| Setting | Public spaces, carved into architecture | Homes, symposiums, public squares | Taverns, military camps, homes |
| Social Role | Community bonding, casual play | Intellectual + social pastime | Entertainment, sometimes gambling |
| Archaeological Evidence | 100+ boards in ruins | Game pieces, depictions in art | Dice, boards, graffiti |
Source
The Libya Observer – Archaeologists discover over 100 ancient game boards in Ptolemais ruins
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