Çevále (the "pit game") was first described by Heinrich von Wlislocki in his book "Vom wandernden Zigeunervolke" in 1890. It was played by the Tsigani in Transylvania at the end of the 19th century. At that time this region of South-East Europe was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but today it is in Romania. Mancala games were also reported from Serbia (Belgrade fortress; 14th century), Bosnia ("Ban-Ban" - still popular in Sarajevo) and Greece ("Mandoli" - Hydra Island in 1810; Chios Island in 1818), Crimea (Balaklava in 1801).