Thebes takes you back to the early 20th century, the golden age of archaeology. Players take on the roles of archaeologists traveling across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa to explore ancient civilizations—the Greeks, Egyptians, Mesopotamians, Palestinians, and Cretans. The goal is to acquire knowledge that increases the chances of successful excavations, then uncover valuable artifacts and display them at prestigious exhibitions. The theme is deeply rooted in history and exploration, creating a strong sense of a true archaeological adventure.
A key element of the game is the time track: every action—traveling, researching, excavating—consumes weeks. The player who is furthest behind on the time track takes the next turn, enabling a dynamic turn order. Visiting cities to gain knowledge cards improves success rates during excavations. At archaeological sites, players draw tiles from a bag containing both artifacts and “dirt,” introducing a push-your-luck element. More knowledge and more time allow players to draw more tiles, but finding treasure is never guaranteed. The collected artifacts can then be used to organize exhibitions, which award additional points.
Thebes combines historical exploration, strategic planning, and a touch of luck into a thrilling archaeological adventure. 🏺🔍
