Ancient Backgammon Board found in Iran

An ancient backgammon board and a stone compass were discovered at an Iranian archeological site. According to the Iranian archeologist Reza Moradi-Qiasabadi estimations the findings date back to the beginning of the first century BC. 

Another evident to the antiquity of the backgammon game was found in the Southern Island of Khark, about 483 kilometers northwest of the Strait of Hormoz, Iran. The 2000 years old backgammon board was found, carved into the coral riffs on an overlook rock by the seaside. 

Along with the backgammon board, the team of Iranian archeologists found a stone compass. The quadrangular compass was discovered near an old road engraved into rocky grounds with its upper side marked with two intersecting lines. According to the GPS readings the intersecting lines indicate key points. 

The ancient backgammon board is the second backgammon relic found in Iran. The ebony backgammon board with turquoise and agate checkers plus dice found in 2004 at the old city of Shahr-e Suktheh is regarded as the oldest backgammon set to be ever found, dates back 5000 years ago.