Timeline. Which Was First? Cleopatra or the Invention of the Toothbrush?

Quick question… Do you think Cleopatra became Queen of Egypt before or after the invention of the toothbrush? 

That’s the sort of question you have to ask yourself when you play Timeline. 

…(I’ll include the answer below - I know you’re wondering now!)

In Timeline, you take turns placing cards in the correct order as you compete to build an accurate timeline of world history. It’s quick and fun to play (it’s a current favourite in our house!) - but it’s also amazing how much history you pick up as you play too (without even trying!)

Some of my favourite moments to come out of this game have been the conversations…

“Hmmm… I wonder… would Henry VIII have used a telescope?”

Or

“Hey Dad, what year were you born? Did you wear jeans when you were a kid, or were jeans not invented yet?” 

I love that my kids use both Henry VIII and their Dad as reference points for historical events.

To play Timeline, you’re given a hand of cards with events on them… and you have to work out where your cards belong on the growing timeline.

As the timeline grows, it becomes more and more challenging to place your cards correctly.

The first player to correctly place all their cards wins.

There are multiple sets in the series - you can play them separately, or combine them to create one huge game of Timeline. 

There’s even a Celebrities set, which includes both pop culture and historical figures from throughout history.

If you combine sets, it increases the difficulty, but it’s also really interesting to see how different people, events, and discoveries overlap - which helps build context around history, rather than just memorising dates.

If you’re looking for a fun game that helps build a real understanding of the timeline of history… this is a great one.

Available in store and online at Brain Spice.

Oh, and if you were wondering about Cleopatra and the toothbrush… Cleopatra lived over 1,500 years before the toothbrush was invented.

…And yes, jeans existed when we were kids. 

How to Play Timeline: 

Each player starts with a hand of cards (date side down), and one card is placed in the centre face up to begin the timeline.

On your turn, choose one (or more) of your cards and place it where you think it belongs in the timeline.

Flip it over to check: 
👉 If you’re correct, it stays in the timeline. 
👉 If not, discard it and draw a new card.

As the timeline grows, it becomes more and more challenging to place your cards correctly!

The first player to correctly place all their cards wins.

2-6 Players  |  15 Mins  |  Ages 8+