Enneadi of Ancient Epidaurus

In ancient Greece, a well-known strategy board game was Enneadi. During a round, two players came into battle with an army of nine pieces each. A draw determined who will move first and upon this turn of luck, a very interesting strategy was unfolded by both players.

According to many modern historians, Enneadi is an undisputable ancient Greek invention whose origins are lost in the depths of time. Some very early references support that it was played during the Trojan War, both by famous and less-known soldiers. It was found engraved in many archaeological sites in Greece and abroad, such as the Great Propylea at the Sanctuary of Eleusis and the ancient Epidaurus. They are dated back to the classical and pre-classical times.

Enneadi was such a beloved board game that it managed to survive up to the Middle Ages when it became one of the most popular games along with backgammon and chess.