A Day as an Archaeologist

Something about unearthing history always pulls me in.

I’ve always been a big fan of ancient civilizations, and when I learned about Sinauli Unearthed, I had to give it a try!

It pays homage to an actual archaeological site, Sinauli, that was discovered in Uttar Pradesh, India.

And instead of romanticizing the past, it takes a more practical approach.

Sinauli Unearthed puts you right into the shoes of a modern-day archaeologist where you are not just digging up artifacts; you are competing for recognition, influence, and the prestigious Bharat Ratna Award.

You decide whether to publish research papers, secure museum contracts, or sway powerful politicians in Delhi to your side. Every choice matters because the race is tight, and one wrong move could cost you the victory.

With dust on my hands, relics in my bag, and the weight of competition pressing down as I tried building my legacy, I had a blast!

What went right

#01: Strategy

Unlike many games where luck plays a big role, Sinauli Unearthed is built more on strategy. There are no dice to roll. Instead, you select actions from cards and carefully decide where to place your meeples on the board. Your influence grows as you fulfill contracts and publish findings. The player with the most influence shapes the final outcome by advancing tokens toward victory.

#02: Theme integration

The game’s narrative is deeply tied to its mechanics. This is not a theme pasted on top for flavor. The relics you excavate, the decisions you make, and the political battles you wage all echo the challenges real archaeologists face.

Player count?

Playing with 2 or 3 players felt just right. With 4, the competition for spots on the board became fierce, which could either add tension or slow the flow, depending on your group.

You’re (almost) out of time!

Ready to become an archaeologist for a day? Then you only have 4 days before the campaign ends!

So get ready to dig in Sinauli and unearth your own legacy.