Středověké a raně novověké hračky a součásti her v archeologické podsbírce Slezského zemského muzea

The article deals with physical evidence of games deposited in archaeological sub-collection of Silesian Museum in Opava. First, it is necessary to divide the world of games into games for children and for adults. The main element of any game is entertainment. However, children and adults have different reasons for playing. Games for children often simulate the adult world and are connected with the process of learning. In adulthood games have different reason; they usually do not lead towards knowledge but to the release of excess energy and satisfaction of natural need of relaxation. In this text, the items intended for games are divided into toys for children and parts of game sets meant for adults. The distinction between these categories may be unclear. Following the general information and problems of interpretation, the article deals with individual types of toys or game sets represented in the archaeological sub-collection of Silesian Museum in Opava. The text refers to catalogue which is included at the end of the article.