| Title | Sumer |
| Developer(s) | Studio Wumpus |
| Publisher(s) | Studio Wumpus |
| Genre | PC > Strategy, Early Access, Indie |
| Release Date | Feb 15, 2017 |
| Size | 126.37 MB |
| Get it on | Steam Games |
| Report | Report Game |
The ancient civilization of Sumer, located in the southern region of Mesopotamia, is widely recognized for its advancements in agriculture, writing, and law. However, one aspect of Sumerian society that is often overlooked is their love for sports and games. Among the various forms of recreation enjoyed by the Sumerians, the game of Sumer held a special place, capturing the attention of both the rich and poor alike.
The Origins of the Game
The origins of the Sumer game can be traced back to nearly 5,000 years ago, during the Early Dynastic Period of Sumer. It is believed that the game was developed as a way to honor and appease the gods, who were believed to be the creators of physical and intellectual activities for humans.
The game quickly gained popularity and became a common pastime among Sumerians of all ages and social classes. It was not unusual to see people playing the game in public spaces, such as the city square or the temple courtyard.
The Rules and Gameplay
The game of Sumer is known by various names such as the Royal Game of Ur, the Game of Twenty Squares, or the Game of Twenty Cubes. The game was typically played on a wooden board that featured a grid of twenty squares, divided into two sets of rows, each with ten squares. The board was usually made of wood or stone and was intricately decorated with designs and patterns.
Each player had five pyramid-shaped pieces or “men” that were placed on the board according to specific rules. The goal of the game was to move all five pieces from one end of the board to the other, while trying to block the opponent’s pieces from doing the same. The players would take turns rolling four-sided tetrahedron dice to determine the number of squares to move.
While the exact rules of the Sumer game are not entirely clear, it is believed that the game involved both strategy and luck, making it a challenging yet exciting game to play.
The Symbolic Meaning
In addition to being a popular pastime, the game of Sumer also held symbolic significance for the Sumerians. The game was seen as a representation of the journey of life, with its ups and downs, and the need for determination and perseverance to overcome obstacles.
The game was also believed to have religious significance, with players often invoking the names of their gods while playing. Some historians also believe that the game was used as a way to settle disputes or make important decisions through a game of chance.
The Legacy of Sumer Game
Although the game of Sumer was eventually replaced by other forms of entertainment as civilization advanced, its legacy lives on. The design of the game board has been found on artifacts from other civilizations such as the ancient Egyptians, suggesting its widespread popularity.
In recent years, the game has been recreated and played by modern enthusiasts who are fascinated by its history and challenging gameplay. The Royal Game of Ur, an ancient version of the Sumer game, is included in many game collections and has even been featured in popular board games.
“The ancient people of Sumer may be long gone, but the game they enjoyed so much still holds a special place in our modern world, a testament to the enduring appeal of a game that once captivated an entire civilization.”
The Sumer game remains a fascinating reminder of the vibrant culture and society of this ancient civilization, offering an insight into the lives and leisure activities of the people who dwelled in the land between the two rivers – the cradle of civilization.
In Conclusion
From being a humble game played on a wooden board to becoming a lasting symbol of an entire civilization, the game of Sumer holds a timeless appeal. Its simplicity and strategic gameplay have stood the test of time, making it a favorite among ancient and modern game enthusiasts alike.
System Requirements
Minimum:- OS: Windows XP, 7, 8, 9, 10
- Processor: 2 Ghz
- Memory: 2 GB RAM
- Graphics: Good
- Storage: 1 GB available space
How to Download
- Click the "Download Sumer" button above.
- Wait 20 seconds, then click the "Free Download" button. (For faster downloads, consider using a downloader like IDM or another fast Downloader.)
- Right-click the downloaded zip file and select "Extract to Sumer folder". Ensure you have WinRAR or 7-Zip installed.
- Open the extracted folder and run the game as an administrator.
Note: If you encounter missing DLL errors, check the Redist or _CommonRedist folder inside the extracted files and install any required programs.