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Welcome to a fun new way to teach history. Get those kids out of their seats and into some board games with these fun, interactive games.

Welcome to a fun new way to teach history. Get those kids out of their seats and into some board games with these fun, interactive games.
Chinese Dynasty Board Game #3 -Han Dynasty
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Chinese Dynasty Board Game #3 -Han Dynasty

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In this game, trade different items between players using a Go Fish style game! The Silk Road was a network of trade routes that connected the Han Dynasty in China with the Roman Empire. It facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultural practices between the East and West. The route earned its name from the lucrative Chinese silk trade, but it also carried spices, precious metals, and other commodities. This extensive trade network flourished during the first few centuries CE, fostering economic and cultural interactions between the two distant civilizations.
American Revolution Board Games #14 Saratoga
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American Revolution Board Games #14 Saratoga

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This board-game is a great way for students to learn about the American Revolution in a way that is interactive and tangible. They get to see the routes that the british took in order to capture Philadelphia and can truly see how an attack on Albany would have gone better with 3 fighting divisions advancing instead of 2.
Ancient Greece Board Games #1 - Greek and Phoenician Colonies
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Ancient Greece Board Games #1 - Greek and Phoenician Colonies

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In this game, students will learn about the Greek and Phoenicians colonizing parts of Europe, Africa and Asia and how they spread their culture across the known world. In this game, students pick up cards, trade them, and collect them to win the game. They also collect cards on a special player board to keep track of ho fast they are advancing. There are special cards that help move the game along, as well as the players being forced to trade in order to move forward.
Ancient Rome Board Game #6 - Augustus and the Pax Romana (social studies)
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Ancient Rome Board Game #6 - Augustus and the Pax Romana (social studies)

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In this game, students pick up information cards and play them on a board to try to get 5 counters in a row. Augustus, originally named Octavian, was the first emperor of Rome, reigning from 27 B.C. to A.D. 14. After the assassination of his great-uncle and adoptive father Julius Caesar in 44 B.C., Octavian rose to power through a series of political maneuvers and military victories. He defeated Mark Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium in 31 B.C., which left him as the unchallenged ruler of Rome. In 27 B.C., he was awarded the title “Augustus” by the Roman Senate, marking the end of the Roman Republic and the beginning of the Roman Empire. Augustus implemented significant reforms that stabilized the empire, secured its borders, and initiated a period of relative peace and prosperity known as the Pax Romana, or “Roman Peace.” This era lasted for more than two centuries and is characterized by a reduction in large-scale warfare, increased security for trade routes, and a flourishing of arts and culture. Augustus’ reign laid the foundations for this period, which allowed the Roman Empire to expand and prosper, reaching its zenith in terms of territorial extent, economic prosperity, and cultural achievements.
Ancient Rome Board Game #8 Roman Tetrarchs (social studies, history)
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Ancient Rome Board Game #8 Roman Tetrarchs (social studies, history)

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In this game, play with 2-4 players, finding out about the decline of the Roman empire, and how things began to go downhill. Students will learn a little about how they tried to address some of these issues later in the Roman Empire. The period of internal turmoil preceding the reign of Diocletian, known as the Crisis of the Third Century (roughly 235-284 AD), was a time of immense instability and nearly led to the collapse of the Roman Empire. This crisis was characterized by a combination of military anarchy, economic collapse, plague, and external invasions. During this period, the Roman Empire saw over 20 emperors in just 50 years, most of whom met violent ends. The empire was also plagued by civil wars, as rival generals vied for the throne, and external threats from Germanic tribes, Persians, and others pressed on its borders. The economy was in disarray, suffering from severe inflation and a breakdown in trade, while the plague further decimated the population. Diocletian, who ruled from 284 to 305 AD, implemented a series of reforms that fundamentally transformed the structure of the Roman Empire, stabilizing it and ending the crisis. His reforms touched on various aspects of the empire, including its administration, military, economy, and even its religious life.
Ancient Rome Board Game #9 - Barbarian Invasions (social studies, history)
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Ancient Rome Board Game #9 - Barbarian Invasions (social studies, history)

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In this game, students play for domination of the game board map by placing counters and rolling the dice to see what happens. The Barbarian Invasions of Rome, occurring between the 3rd and 5th centuries AD, were a series of migrations and invasions into the Roman Empire by various Germanic tribes and other groups. This period marked the decline of Roman power and the transformation of its world. 3rd Century Crisis (235-284 AD): The Roman Empire faced internal turmoil, economic instability, and pressure from external tribes. Germanic tribes and others started to press on the Empire’s borders, exploiting its weaknesses. Gothic Wars (Late 3rd Century): The Goths, a Germanic people, began their invasions in the late 3rd century, crossing the Danube and fighting Roman forces in several battles, including the Battle of Naissus (circa 268-270 AD). Hunnic Pressure (4th-5th Century): The Huns, migrating from the east, pushed other tribes westward towards Rome’s borders. Their arrival in Europe around the late 4th century caused a significant push of Germanic tribes into Roman territories. Fall of the Western Roman Empire (5th Century): The Visigoths, under Alaric, sacked Rome in 410 AD. Other groups like the Vandals, Suebi, Burgundians, and Ostrogoths also established kingdoms within former Roman territories. The traditional date marking the fall of the Western Roman Empire is 476 AD, when the last Roman emperor of the West, Romulus Augustulus, was deposed by the Germanic king Odoacer. This period, characterized by the fragmentation of Roman authority and the establishment of Germanic kingdoms in its territories, led to the transition from Classical Antiquity to the Middle Ages in Europe.
Ancient Rome Board Games #2 Rome: The Punic Wars (Carthage, social studies)
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Ancient Rome Board Games #2 Rome: The Punic Wars (Carthage, social studies)

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In this game, students play as either Rome or Carthage to battle against each other in a printable board game. Students use a dice to gain troops, move around the board, and capture the capital cities. To battle each other’s troops, they must win a rock, paper, scissors battle. The Punic Wars were a series of three conicts fought between the Roman Republic and the Carthaginian Empire from 264 BCE to 146 BCE. The term “Punic” is derived from the Latin word “Punicus,” which means Carthaginian.
Ancient Rome Board Games #5 - Octavian vs Mark Antony (social studies, history)
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Ancient Rome Board Games #5 - Octavian vs Mark Antony (social studies, history)

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In this game, students will play each other and try to win by playing game cards and competing on a map. They either play as Mark Antony or Octavian. Background The civil war between Mark Antony and Octavian, which took place from 32-30 BC, was the final conflict of the Roman Republic. It followed the assassination of Julius Caesar and the defeat of his assassins. The war was essentially a power struggle for control of Rome. Octavian (later Augustus) accused Mark Antony of usurping power and betraying Rome through his alliance and relationship with Cleopatra VII of Egypt. The conflict culminated in the naval Battle of Actium in 31 BC, where Octavian’s forces decisively defeated those of Antony and Cleopatra, leading to their eventual suicides and Octavian’s undisputed rise to power, marking the transition from Republic to the Roman Empire.
Ancient History Board Games - Rome #1 - Dominate the Peninsula (social studies)
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Ancient History Board Games - Rome #1 - Dominate the Peninsula (social studies)

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In this game, students play one on one in a printable board game to dominate the peninsula of Rome. They play cards and move on a map to achieve this. Rome’s conquest of the Italian Peninsula occurred over several centuries, starting in the 4th century BCE and culminating in the 1st century BCE. Rome, initially a small city-state, expanded through military campaigns and alliances, gradually bringing neighboring territories under its control. The process involved conflicts with other Italian city-states, such as the Samnites and Etruscans. Rome’s military prowess, political institutions, and ability to integrate conquered peoples into its society played crucial roles in the success of its conquest, ultimately leading to the establishment of the Roman Republic as a dominant power in the region.
Chinese Dynasty Board Game #2 -The Qin Dynasty (Social Studies-History Activity)
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Chinese Dynasty Board Game #2 -The Qin Dynasty (Social Studies-History Activity)

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In this game, you explore some of the aspects of the Qin Dynasty, and compete with other players to get around the board, while learning info. The Qin Dynasty, which ruled China from 221 BCE to 206 BCE, was a short but significant period in Chinese history. Some key events and characteristics include: Unification of China: The Qin Dynasty is best known for unifying China under the rule of Qin Shi Huang, who declared himself the First Emperor. This involved the conquest of various independent states and the standardization of writing, currency, and measurements to promote unity. Construction of the Great Wall: Qin Shi Huang initiated the early construction of the Great Wall of China to defend against invasions from northern nomadic tribes. Although much of the existing wall is from later dynasties, the foundation was laid during the Qin Dynasty. Standardization of Laws and Writing: Qin Shi Huang implemented legal reforms to standardize laws and punishments across the newly unified empire. He also ordered the standardization of the Chinese writing system, which helped in promoting communication and governance. Authoritarian Rule: The Qin Dynasty was characterized by a centralized and authoritarian form of government. Qin Shi Huang implemented strict control over the population, suppressing dissent and persecuting scholars whose ideas opposed the state ideology. Terra Cotta Army: One of the most famous archaeological discoveries in China is the Terra Cotta Army, a collection of life-sized clay soldiers and horses created to accompany Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. This massive burial complex was discovered in the late 20th century. Short-lived Dynasty: Despite its significant achievements, the Qin Dynasty was short-lived, lasting only 15 years. After the death of Qin Shi Huang, discontent among the people, harsh policies, and the oppressive rule of subsequent emperors contributed to the fall of the dynasty. The Qin Dynasty laid the foundation for imperial rule in China, influencing the subsequent Han Dynasty and leaving a lasting impact on Chinese history and culture.
Civil War Board Games #11 The End of Slavery (Social Studies, American History)
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Civil War Board Games #11 The End of Slavery (Social Studies, American History)

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In the lead up to the Civil War, the United States was divided on slavery. Many Northern states began to abolish slavery, some gradually, some constitutionally, some through new state laws, some through court cases. Eventually all of the northern states gradually got rid of slavery. In this game, students will collect cards, trade, and try to win 3 state cards one they “free” a state from slavery.
Civil War Board Games #9 Gettysburg
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Civil War Board Games #9 Gettysburg

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In this board game students are able to familiarize themselves with the events and location of the Battle of Gettysburg. The Battle of Gettysburg was a pivotal conflict during the American Civil War, fought from July 1 to 3, 1863, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It marked the largest battle in North America and resulted in a Union victory. General George G. Meade led the Union Army, while General Robert E. Lee commanded the Confederate Army. The battle’s outcome halted Lee’s invasion of the North and is considered a turning point in the war. It resulted in heavy casualties, with over 50,000 soldiers killed, wounded, or missing.
American Revolution Board Games #4 Pontiac's War
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American Revolution Board Games #4 Pontiac's War

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This game is set in 1763 during Pontiac’s War when the Native Americans wanted to drive Europeans out of their land. They attempted to bring different native groups together to achieve this, but were unable to completely drive Europeans off their land. There was some progress in driving back white settlers in the Ohio River Valley when a number of forts were captured or destroyed. This also coincided with the year the Proclamation of 1763 occurred. In the game, you play as the Native Americans to try and determine how you will interact with white settlers – through trading, allying with other native groups, or war.
Civil War Board Games #10 Reconstruction
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Civil War Board Games #10 Reconstruction

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This game is set after the American Civil War when states had to reinstate themselves back into the United States, In order to do this, they had to agree to certain conditions, namely, accepting the 13th, 14th, qnd 15th amendements and making a number of other changes. However there were a number obstacles that prevented the states from being reinstated. In this game, players interact with the real aspects of reinstatement, with amendments, and with elements of history that enable them to learn in a fun way. They must collect and trade cards to win the game.
Civil War Board Games #5 The Anaconda Plan
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Civil War Board Games #5 The Anaconda Plan

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This game is based on The Battle of New Orleans and General Winfield Scott’s Anaconda Plan in 1862. It is a game where students fight over the board by placing counters and trying to dominate the certain strategic spots. The Anaconda Plan was a Union strategy during the American Civil War to defeat the Confederacy by slowly squeezing it into submission. It aimed to block Confederate ports, control the Mississippi River, and cut off vital supply lines, like an anaconda constricting its prey.
Chinese Dynasty Board Game #9 - The Voyages of Zheng He
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Chinese Dynasty Board Game #9 - The Voyages of Zheng He

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Race against another player to collect trade items, starting from China. In this game, learn about the 7 voyages of Zheng He during the Ming Dynasty. These amazingly enormous ships sailed all the way to Africa and made an incredible presence in the Indian Ocean and Pacific.
American Revolution Board Games #9 Race for the New World
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American Revolution Board Games #9 Race for the New World

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Students battle with each other for control of the New World in this board game. Spain: In the late 15th and early 16th centuries, Spain led the way in exploring and conquering the Americas under explorers like Christopher Columbus and Hernán Cortés. They established vast colonies and empires in regions that would become modern-day Latin America and the southwestern United States. France: France also explored and claimed parts of the New World in the 16th century, particularly in North America. French explorers like Jacques Cartier and Samuel de Champlain played a significant role in the establishment of territories in present-day Canada and the Mississippi River Valley. Britain: The English, later forming the Kingdom of Great Britain, began their colonization efforts in North America during the early 17th century. Jamestown, Virginia, was one of the first successful English settlements. Over time, the British established the Thirteen Colonies along the Atlantic coast, which would eventually become the United States of America. These three European powers played a crucial role in shaping the New World through exploration, conquest, and colonization, contributing to the cultural, political, and economic foundations of the Americas.
American Revolution Board Games #12 Retreat from New York
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American Revolution Board Games #12 Retreat from New York

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During the American Revolution New York came under attack from British troops and George Washington had to retreat from New York City. This is a game that shows the famous retreat, George Washington’s headquarters at Morris House, the forts Fort Lee and Fort Washington, and the island of Manhattan where the retreat took place. This game is perfect to learn about the battle and to have kids interact with the map. It can be played with counters, or you can use army men (for added engagement!)