Cádiz University unveils Phoenician history games for kids

The University of Cádiz (UCA) has introduced two new science outreach games designed to bring the Phoenician past of the city closer to children and young people. Developed by the Phoenix Mediterranea (HUM-509) research group, these games combine historical rigor with a playful and innovative approach. The goal is to promote knowledge of archaeological heritage in an attractive and accessible way. The official presentation took place at the El Olivillo Business Transfer Center. It featured the participation of the Vice-Rector for Research and Transfer, María Jesús Ortega, and the professor and principal investigator of the project, Ana María Niveau de Villedary Mariñas. These resources fall into the category of "serious games," integrating entertainment with educational objectives. Through Game-Based Learning (ABJ), participants enjoy developing cognitive and socio-emotional skills. They also connect with historical-archaeological heritage through a positive experience. The Phoenix Mediterránea group, led by Professor Niveau de Villedary, is a leader in areas such as landscape archaeology and archaeometry. They also focus on the protohistory of western Andalusia and the visibility of women's roles in antiquity. Their research work is accompanied by a strong outreach vocation, reflected in collaborations with the Museum of Cádiz. The games presented are, on the one hand, "Mi museo fenicio" [My Phoenician Museum], a memory game designed for children. Players discover and match illustrations of emblematic Phoenician pieces. In addition to exercising cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and planning, children learn about archaeological heritage in a fun and visual way. On the other hand, there is "Museo: Objetivo Gadir" [Museum: Objective Gadir], a strategy and set collection game, recommended for ages 10 and up. In it, players assume the role of directors of a Phoenician museum and must collect and display archaeological pieces in their showcases, many of them based on real objects from the Museum of Cádiz. The game simulates real situations in the museum environment and encourages learning about the Phoenician civilization, the history of Cádiz, and heritage management. It also includes a Didactic Guide co-financed by the UCA Publications Service. Both games promote the development of executive functions such as planning, decision-making, and cognitive flexibility. They also foster socio-emotional skills such as emotion management, respect for rules, and assertive communication. They address key content related to the Phoenician history of Cádiz, the operation of an archaeological museum, material culture, and heritage conservation. This initiative has been financed through the University of Cádiz's own Research and Transfer Plan. It has the collaboration of the Scientific Culture and Innovation Unit (UCC+i). This type of action reinforces the institutional commitment to bring knowledge to society through innovative, understandable, and attractive formats. The financing of "Museo: Objetivo Gadir" has been possible thanks to the support of the NextGenerationEU program within the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan. This underscores its strategic and innovative nature. With the launch of these two games, the University of Cádiz takes a new step in its work of disseminating knowledge. It is committed to new ways of connecting younger generations with their history and heritage.