We are currently studying Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia in our history cycle. In addition to interesting picture books, historical fiction chapter books, crafts, food, and art, I found these geography board games!
I’ll say it once and I’ll say it again: Geography is the best interdisciplinary subject!
Geography Board Games that are Actually Ancient Games
Senet
Senet is actually an ancient Egyptian game. I was delighted to find it in the middle of this Egyptology book that I had purchased. The board is printed right onto the spread that lies flat because of the nature of the book. One of the envelopes has the game pieces and another envelope has the directions.
Details for Senet:
- Number of Players: 2
- Age: 6+
- Playing time: 30 minutes
The Royal Game of Ur
Also known as The Game of Twenty Squares, this is an ancient Mesopotamian board game. I was about to create my own game board on Canva…but found a few available online: Highhill Homeschool has the game board and Kiddy Charts has a 3D game board and dice to create.
Details for The Royal Game of Ur:
- Number of Players: 2
- Age: 10+
- Playing time: 10-20 minutes
Geography Board Games that are inspired by Ancient Egypt
The Pyramid’s Deadline
My husband bought this for my daughter’s Christmas stocking. If you’ve ever thought about how much space is wasted in the games that come in large boxes, you would be pleased with this one. There is no wasted space here! This is a quick, tile placement game in which players race to complete their pyramids before the Pharoah’s lifeline runs out.
Details for The Pyramid’s Deadline:
- Number of Players: 2 to 6
- Age: 8+
- Playing time: 20 minutes
Imhotep
The artwork and concepts are inspired by ancient Egypt. Imhotep was the architect who served Pharoah Djoser. He built the first pyramid, the one that looks like a step pyramid. There are boats to sail, pyramids to construct, and obelisks to build. I so appreciate the detail that goes into these games! There is also a 2-player version called Imhotep: The Duel.
Details for Imhotep:
- Number of Players: 2 to 4
- Age: 10+
- Playing time: 40 minutes
Geography Board Games that are inspired by Ancient Civilizations:
7 Wonders
My kids learned the list of the 7 Ancient Wonders through the Classical Conversations song. They sing it with great gusto. This is a great party game with a max of 7 people. We’ll probably teach it to our oldest ones soon, and the younger kids learn by teaming up with my husband and I.
Details for 7 Wonders:
- Number of Players: 3 to 7
- Age: 10+
- Playing time: 30 minutes
7 Wonders Duel
My husband and I were always on the lookout for good 2-player games before the kids were born. This is not an expansion set but a stand-alone game for two players. You’d think it’s a spin-off version of 7 Wonders, but it is actually very different.
Details for 7 Wonders Duel:
- Number of Players: 2
- Age: 10+
- Playing time: 30 minutes