RITHMOMACHIA
"There is the game of
Rythmomachy, known as the Game of the Philosophers. And this is a game in whych all the
men have numbers upon them, and the gamesters doo use these numbers to capture eache
other, and the capture is more complex than meerly jumping or landing upon the enemies
men. This game is most esteemed among scholars, and those who play it well are accounted
wise indeed."
There is no one set of rules for Rithmomachia.
During the 1000-year history of the game the rules have changed often. The extent
increased from few hand-written pages to more than 100 printed pages, in which detailed
the mathematical and harmonic backgrounds are described. But the rules have the following
things in common: the number of pieces with the numbers printed on them, the two pyramids
and a rectangular board. In addition the goal of the game is common: Two players try to
build through fixed moves an arrangement of three or four pieces on the opponent's side of
the board. The numbers of the pieces must be in a specific proportion to each other and
with the arrangement of one of these groups the player gains victory. In the process the
opponent's pieces can be captured according to certain rules. Depending on whether one
seeks a perfect game or an easier version of it, the size of the board and other details
of the rules may vary.
Unfortunately, to play Rithmomachia today, one must
build a game for oneself, if one is not interested in using one of the two computer games
from Italy or from the USA. In the 16th century it was easier, because the game could be
bought in Paris and London, as Boissi?re and Fulke/Lever wrote in their books on
Rithmomachia. Presumably Jahn (1929?) offered a set of the game for sale.
In the past treatises about Rithmomachia were
published more often, and it also appeared in game books. So there is still hope, that
Rithmomachia will be known better again. This desire was expressed in the pseudo-ovidian
poem 'De vetula' in the 13th century: 'Oh, if only more people had enjoyed the battle of
numbers! If it was only known, it would on its own accord be highly respected.' Hopefully
this wish, that Rithmomachia be played again, will come true.
information by Peter Mebben
for more on the game's rules, visit Medieval and Renaissance
Games online |
