The game of 58 Holes, or Hounds and Jackals, known for its captivating simplicity and rich history, has long been considered one of the world’s oldest board games. Traditionally, scholars believed it originated in ancient Egypt during the second millennium BC. However, recent archaeological discoveries have challenged this assumption, suggesting that the game may have actually emerged in southwestern Asia before it gained popularity in Egypt. This new perspective not only reshapes our understanding of the game's origins but also highlights the complex interactions and cultural exchanges that occurred in the ancient world. The Classic Game of 58 Holes 58 Holes—sometimes referred to as "hounds and jackals" due to some gaming pieces bearing the likenesses of these animals—is a game that dates back thousands of years. The game consists of a board with 58 holes arranged in two parallel lines of 10 holes in the center, surrounded by an arc of 38 additional holes. Players each have five pegs and take turns moving them along the board based on the roll of a die or the throwing of sticks, with the goal of advancing their pegs from the starting point to the endpoint. Read moreSection: NewsHistory & ArchaeologyHistoryAncient TraditionsRead Later