(I) The history of backgammon began almost 5,000 years ago. (II) Throughout its history, the Church attempted several times to ban the game. (III) They brought backgammon to their homes in America. (IV) For example, in the 16th century, Cardinal Woosley ordered all the boards to be burned. (V) However, his attempt was useless since any type of board could be drawn in sand and played with small pebbles.