EGYPTIAN BACKGAMMON
New Yorker Martha Ghio writes: During an amazing two-week adventure to Egypt (late 2009), sponsored by the extraordinary Explorers Club, I came across some fascinating artifacts. One of the most interesting was this anci
ent backgammon set circa 500 A.D. on exhibit at the intimate Luxor Museum in Luxor. (Based on the way the 30 checkers are displayed, the curator would make a tasty opponent!)
But, even more astounding was the unidentified items to the right of the board. While I knew immediately, not one of the other ten people on our tour had any idea what those two items were! DO YOU KNOW?
Can't you just hear it now? In a protected tent, in the shade of the great Pyramids, a handful of Nomads taking a break for a little desert chouette action: "I had two checkers on the bar, had already cleared off 8 men, then he rolled . .
photo: backgammontour
