Part one of Games Britannia introduces us to how the instinct to play games is as universal as language itself, from 1st century Britain to the Victorian era.
It tells us that Ancient and medieval games weren't just played for fun, they were fundamental in the lives of most people. They were often imbued with meaning and prophetic significance. However by the late Middle Ages that element in games began to be lost as gaming became increasingly associated with gambling.
When it came to the Victorian era games were transformed into moral education tools. This was also the era in which Britain established the worlds first commercial games industry, they produced classics such as the Staunton Chess Set, Ludo and Snakes and Ladders, these were all adaptations of original games from other countries.
Snakes and Ladders which was once represented as a Hindu journey to enlightenment was transformed into the popular family favourite we know today.
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