The game mancala began in Ethiopia between 500-700 AD. The word Mancala was derived from an Arabic word “naquala”. While there are hundred a variations of the game, they all strive to teach patience and strategy. The game is meant to last around 15 minutes and typically has 2 players of ages 8 and up. Overall the game Mancala while has been around for thousands of years and changed very much so over this time period but still manages to keep those who play occupied for a quarter of an hour.