Russian Archaeologists Unearth 11th-Century Bread Peel with Carved Game Board
Archaeologists in Staraya Russa, Russia, have discovered an 11th-century wooden bread peel that also served as a board game surface. The artifact, measuring approximately 30 by 40 centimeters, features a flat side for baking and a reverse side carved with the layout for the medieval game 'merels.' Found at the Pyatnitsky site, this well-preserved oak object offers rare insight into how medieval bakers may have combined utility and leisure, using the tool to pass time while waiting for bread to bake.