How were board games invented?

Board Games have been around for centuries. I know the Romans had one that they played all the time. It was a checked board like a chessboard and rocks were used to move from squares to block the opposite player. I have played a modern form of this game. Senet was a popular ancient Egyptian game that involved stones or marbles being moved from place to place, although the rules have been long lost. There is an ancient Arabic game called O-wha-ree that also uses rocks that you collect in cups. Mancala, a similar game was invented in Central Asia. Chess was invented in Mughal India, but was commonly played by the Mideval European courts and kings. Many of the games we play today have been around. Board games are so popular today for the same reasons they were in ancient times. They are fun to play, strengthen the mind and coordination, and pass the time.