Regal Revelry: The Royal Tradition of Rummy The history of regal revelry is deeply rooted in the splendor and extravagance of royal courts over the centuries. The idea of celebration has always been entwined with the exhibition of wealth and power, from the sumptuous ball ind slotsanquets of ancient Rome to the extravagant balls of the Renaissance. Games of chance and skill were frequently essential in these contexts, acting as a social glue for the elite as well as a source of amusement. Card games have been around since the ninth century in China, where they were played for entertainment and gambling. As these games expanded throughout continents, they changed to reflect the subtle cultural differences in each area. Card games were a mainstay in royal courts by the 14th century, when they arrived in Europe.