What's happened
Recent archaeological findings in Azerbaijan and Morocco reveal significant insights into ancient games and agricultural practices. Discoveries include the early board game 'Fifty-Eight Holes' and the largest agricultural complex in Africa outside the Nile, reshaping our understanding of cultural connections in antiquity.
Why it matters
What the papers say
Vishwam Sankaran from The Independent reports on the archaeological significance of the Oued Beht site in Morocco, noting it as the earliest and largest agricultural complex outside the Nile. This challenges previous narratives about the region's historical importance. Meanwhile, Jennifer Ouellette from Ars Technica discusses the implications of the board game 'Fifty-Eight Holes,' suggesting its origins may lie in Azerbaijan rather than Egypt, highlighting the cultural exchanges across ancient societies. Both articles emphasize the need for a broader understanding of ancient civilizations and their interconnectedness.
How we got here
Archaeological research has increasingly focused on ancient games and agricultural practices, revealing their roles in cultural exchange. Recent excavations in Azerbaijan and Morocco have provided new evidence that challenges previous assumptions about the origins of these practices.
More on these topics
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Egypt, officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, is a transcontinental country spanning the northeast corner of Africa and southwest corner of Asia by a land bridge formed by the Sinai Peninsula.
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Azerbaijan, officially the Republic of Azerbaijan, is a country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia. Located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, it is bounded by the Caspian Sea to the east, Russia to the north, Georgia to the northwest, A