> Does anyone have a description of the rules of the game
> developed by Hermann of Reichenau called "rithmomachia"?
Dear Erica,
There are many good references on this medieval game. To begin with may
I suggest you to make a first stop at the following sites:
[1] "Rithmomachia, the Philosophers' Game A Mediaeval Battle of Numbers"
by Peter Mebben [ http://www.inmet.com/~justin/mebben.ryth.html ]
1. Introduction
2. The History of Rithmomachia
3. The Rules of Rithmomachia
A. Preparations
B. The Aim of the Game
C. The Moves of the Pieces
D. The Capture of Pieces
E. The Victory
References
(Definitely the best pointers are mentioned there, JGC)
Appendix I
(Some old, famous and well-known printed books about Rithmomachia)
Appendix II
(Texts of modern era with a description or rules of Rithmomachia
until 1940 - The special German tradition)
Appendix III
(Table of harmonies)
[2] "The Philosopher's Game" [ http://www.inmet.com/~justin/fulke.html ]
A transcription of a 1563 translation by William Fulke (or Fulwood --
the sources disagree) of Boissiere's 1554/56 description of Rythmomachy.
[3] "Game Report: Rhythmomachy Basics" (An introduction to the common
elements in all the versions of the game)
[ http://www.inmet.com/~justin/game-recon-rhythbasics.html ]
[4] A detailed reconstruction of a 16th century variant, which is less
common, but perhaps more consistent and easier to learn and play than
most versions. [ http://www.inmet.com/~justin/game-recon-rhyth1.html ]
Greetings from a lovely sunny day, Julio GC