Divers Discover Gaming Pieces from Kublai Khan’s 1281 Invasion Fleet
What Happened?
Archaeologists have found 34 gaming pieces, including dice, in a Mongol shipwreck off Japan, suggesting crew members played games during breaks. This marks the first discovery of such items in this context.
Key points
- 34 gaming pieces, including 5 dice, were found in a shipwreck off Takashima Island.
- The shipwreck is believed to be approximately 30 meters long.
- The gaming pieces may relate to traditional Chinese games, possibly Tianjiu.
- Other artifacts found include iron food containers and a knife, indicating food preparation activities.
- The discovery highlights that life on the ship involved more than military activities.
Key insights
- The presence of gaming pieces suggests a cultural aspect of leisure among the crew during long voyages.
- This find may lead to further research on the social dynamics aboard Mongol ships.
- The artifacts could enhance understanding of the Mongol Empire's influence on regional cultures.
Why it matters
This discovery provides insight into the daily lives of crew members during historical military campaigns.
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Source
Times of India