Ancient Civilisations
Ancient Civilisations playing cards designed by Celedonio Perellón, produced by Heraclio Fournier, 1973.
Ancient Civilisations playing cards were designed by Celedonio Perellón and first produced by Heraclio Fournier, Spain, in 1973. The pack is dedicated to four great empires of ancient times, the first cycle of civilised history, largely based on agriculture and governed by the high priest in a theocratic role. These cultures had developed a political framework and also left us the earliest written commentaries of humanity.
♣ Ancient Egypt ♦ Sumeria
♠ Syria ♥ Persia
Above: Ancient Civilisations playing cards designed by Celedonio Perellón, manufactured by Heraclio Fournier, 1973, 1975 & 1980. Produced in single or double boxed sets, 52 cards + 2 jokers + title card + explanatory leaflet.
By Simon Wintle
Spain • Member since February 01, 1996
I am the founder of The World of Playing Cards (est. 1996), a website dedicated to the history, artistry and cultural significance of playing cards and tarot. Over the years I have researched various areas of the subject, acquired and traded collections and contributed as a committee member of the IPCS and graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal. Having lived in Chile, England, Wales, and now Spain, these experiences have shaped my work and passion for playing cards. Amongst my achievements is producing a limited-edition replica of a 17th-century English pack using woodblocks and stencils—a labour of love. Today, the World of Playing Cards is a global collaborative project, with my son Adam serving as the technical driving force behind its development. His innovative efforts have helped shape the site into the thriving hub it is today. You are warmly invited to become a contributor and share your enthusiasm.
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