Mancala players at Palmyra

Archaeological traces reveal that the Roman game of mancala, with five holes per side, was supplanted by a seven-hole version during the seventh century or later at Palmyra. This transition occurred when the Temple of Baal was repurposed as a fort, becoming a focal point for soldiers of an Arab or Ottoman garrison who played the game obsessively on its steps and precinct wall. The study examines these imprints, demonstrating how the evolution of the game reflects broader historical shifts in the region.

de Voogt, A. (2010). Mancala players at Palmyra. Antiquity, 84(326), 1055–1066. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0003598x00067077