Solomon’s Temple (2001) Board Game

Solomon’s Temple is a board game that takes players back to ancient times, allowing them to experience the building of King Solomon’s Temple. The game is steeped in religious and historical significance, as Solomon’s Temple is a key symbol in Judaism and Christianity, known for its beauty and grandeur. Players take on the roles of two rival builders, competing to construct the temple in the most efficient and strategic way possible.

Game Components of Solomon’s Temple

Game Board: A folding board depicting the Old City of Jerusalem with marked positions for Structure, Priest, Altar, Prophet, and Babylonian army pawns.

Card Decks: Two 100-card decks for each player.

Custom Dice: Two custom dice, sealed upon purchase.

Babylonian Movement Pieces: 10 pieces, sealed upon purchase.

Additional Cards: Cards for various actions such as building the Temple, furnishing it, building an Altar, attacking with Babylonian armies, and more.

How To Setup Solomon’s Temple

To set up the game, players unfold the game board and place it in the middle of the playing area. Each player receives a deck of 100 cards and the custom dice. The Babylonian movement pieces are placed according to the starting positions marked on the board. Players then draw a starting hand of cards, and the game is ready to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Count: 2 players.

Playing Time: 1 to 1.5 hours.

Age Recommendation: 7 years and up.

Objective: Be the first player to complete the Temple in its entirety, including all Structure and Furnishing Cards, and finally play the Filling of the Holy of Holies card.

Card Drawing and Laying: Players draw and lay cards to build the Temple structure, furnish the Temple, build an Altar, attack the opponent’s Temple with Babylonian armies, destroy the opponent’s armies, interfere with building using Sin, and negate Sin with Burnt Offerings and Scapegoats.

Player Experience

**Solomon’s Temple** offers a dynamic and challenging gameplay experience. Players must balance the task of building the Temple with the need to address the Israelites’ sin and defend against Babylonian invasions. This dual role—acting as both the Israelites and the Babylonians—adds a layer of complexity and strategy to the game. The use of card decks and custom dice introduces elements of luck and resource management, making each game unique.

Pros

Engaging Theme: Combines historical and religious themes with strategic gameplay.

Complex Strategy: Requires players to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Replayability: High due to the random draw of cards and dice rolls.

Educational: Offers insight into historical and biblical events.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Designed for only two players.

Lengthy Setup: While not excessively long, the setup can be somewhat involved.

Complex Rules: May take some time to fully understand and master the gameplay mechanics.

Personal Thoughts on Solomon’s Temple

**Solomon’s Temple** is ideal for those who enjoy strategic board games with a rich thematic backdrop. It is particularly suited for players interested in history, especially biblical history, and those who appreciate games that require careful planning and resource management. The game’s complexity and dual roles make it appealing to experienced gamers, while its educational value can also make it a great choice for families or educational settings. However, its limited player count and potential complexity may deter some casual gamers.

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