The A researcher in Islamic archaeology and cultural heritage -the head of the technical sector - Aqaba directorate, Department of Antiquities of Jordan
A researcher in Islamic archaeology and cultural heritage -the head of the technical sector - Aqaba directorate, Department of Antiquities of Jordan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48185/sjhss.v2i6.2068Keywords:
Game board, Ayla, tokens, stones, ceramics.Abstract
The Islamic city of Ayla has been the subject of extensive archaeological excavations and studies addressing numerous aspects of its history and architecture; however, the recreational activities and daily life of its inhabitants remain among the least studied. Four artifacts representing game boards were uncovered during the 2024/2025 excavation seasons, along with a group of polished pottery sherds that served as playing tokens. The study employs descriptive and analytical approaches, also, it identifies the unearthed games and compares them with Islamic and pre-Islamic parallels. The study suggests a clear distinction between public and private recreational practices: stone game boards carved into public spaces, such as the mosque entrance, reflect a popular gaming culture, while the portable glazed pottery board points to elite leisure activities. Furthermore, the evidence demonstrates the continuity of these games into the modern era, underscoring their deep roots in the regional cultural heritage.
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