Puzzles

The history of puzzles has ancient roots and has its origins in the games and pastimes of ancient cultures. However, it wasn't until the 18th century that what we now consider the modern puzzle began to develop.

One of the first puzzles to be created was the "dissected map", an educational game that involved cutting a map into pieces and then putting it back together. This type of puzzle became particularly popular in England during the 18th century when geographical maps were in great demand.

In the 19th century, jigsaw puzzles became an increasingly popular pastime and were mass produced. Initially, the puzzles were made of wood and cut with a hand saw. Later, with the advent of technology, puzzles began to be produced in paper and cardboard, with the addition of images printed on the surface.

One of the first and most famous puzzle manufacturers was the German company Ravensburger, founded in 1883. Ravensburger started producing cardboard puzzles in 1901 and quickly became one of the leading puzzle manufacturers in Europe.

During the 20th century, the puzzle became increasingly popular and came in a variety of shapes and sizes. In addition to the traditional images printed on the surface, puzzles began to be made with irregular shapes and with pieces that fit together in a unique way. These types of puzzles are known as "tile puzzles" or "figure puzzles".

Over the years, jigsaw puzzles have become a very popular pastime around the world and are used as an educational and therapeutic tool. Many psychologists and therapists recommend puzzles as a way to relax and improve concentration and memory.

Today, puzzles come in a range of shapes, sizes and difficulties, and are manufactured using a variety of materials, including wood, cardboard, plastic and metal. They have become a favorite pastime for people of all ages and have evolved to become an art, with intricate puzzles and beautiful images becoming collectors items.