Duodecim Scripta or Alea, 3 row oak board

Quarter-sawn oak three-row board, with beechwood counters and ring-and-dot bone dice supplied in a linen pouch.

Many different styles of board of this type, with two or three rows, are known from the Roman world, some very simple and roughly carved into pavements, while others are more elaborate and decorated. Some, in the place of the six rows each of six points had comic or pithy phrases, each of six words of six letters.

The names Alea (meaning dice) and Duodecim Scripta appear to be associated with an early tables type of game in Roman literature.

 Our three-row board is typical of the style of many Roman pavement games found across the Roman empire. Several games were probably played on the board, and suggestions for such games are provided.

• Oak 3-row board, 16" x 7 3/4"
• Beechwood playing pieces; 15 each of natural and black
• Three ring-and-dot bone dice
• Pieces supplied in a linen pouch

Historic Period or Date:

• Roman

Materials and Special Features:

• Quarter-sawn oak board
• Beechwood counters
• Bone ring-and-dot dice
• Playing pieces in a linen drawstring pouch

Dimensions:

• Board: 16" x 7 3/4"; of 3/4" thick oak
• Cells 1"
• Beechwood counters: c. 7/8" diameter
• Bone dice: c. 1cm square