There's nothing to laugh at. Picture shows the very beginning of table-top battle games. AFAIK, first wargames - with rules and models - were played by officers of a French army (18-19th century?). It was part of their training.
I'm not sure, if there were earlier examples of wargames. PLease let me know, if you are aware of any.
Well, I dunno, if that kind of military planning is kind of a war game, I think several thousands ago, different countries, races or civilizations had wargames on table top.
It's common fact that Kings, generals and other leaders used similar ways to map out tactics before or during battles. But nice to see probably the first version of the boardgame as we know it.