Board game
Board games have been played in most cultures and societies throughout history. A number of important historical sites, artifacts, and documents shed light on early board games such as Jiroft civilization gameboards in Iran. Senet, found in Predynastic and First Dynasty burials of Egypt, c. 3500 BC and 3100 BC respectively, is the oldest board game known to have existed. Senet was pictured in a fresco found in Merknera's tomb (3300–2700 BC). Also from predynastic Egypt is Mehen.
Board wargame
The beginning of the commercial board wargaming hobby is generally tied to the name "Avalon Hill" and the publication of "Tactics II" in 1958, along with "Gettysburg", the first board game designed to simulate a historical battle.