From the publisher’s rulebook
Who goes first in The Ancient World?
Red Raven Games English first-edition rules
The player who most recently won a game starts; the rules also allow choosing randomly.
Rule details
That player takes the first-player token. In turn order, the second player takes one extra coin and the third and fourth take two extra coins each.
This is the original edition, separate from the second-edition answer.
Source & edition
- The Ancient World: English rulebookRed Raven Games · Setup, step 10 · Checked 2026-09-24Printed page references: 2
Image: © Red Raven Games / Ryan Laukat; retail photograph owner · eBay retail listing
If your rules call for a random choice, use the player picker.
If there’s a tie
The rulebook doesn’t say. If you need a tie-break, pick a player at random.
Related games and editions
Browse available game rules
Games with a similar starting rule
Burgle Bros 2: The Casino CapersWhoever most recently gambled starts. The rules also allow choosing the first player randomly.
Dice HospitalWhoever most recently visited a hospital starts. The rules also allow choosing randomly.
WormholesThe player who most recently went through a doorway starts. The rules also allow choosing randomly.
HookyThe person most recently in a classroom starts. The rules also allow choosing a starter randomly.
Dawn of PeacemakersWhoever most recently avoided a conflict starts. The campaign rules also allow choosing the starter randomly.
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