Duodecim Scripta or Alea, 2-row oak board

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Quarter-sawn oak two-row board, with oculi glass counters and ring-and-dot style bone dice in a leather pouch.

Many different styles of Alea or Duodecim Scripta boards, 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. They are likely to have been used for a range of early tables-type games.

The board supplied here is of the later form of two-row boards (see also our Tabula), initially made by removing one row of a three-row board. It is likely that several games were played on the board and suggestions for some are provided. The faster two-row games were probaly an improvement over those played on the earlier three-row board; and eventually evolved into the numerous and poular medieval tables games, and then backgammon.

The counters are called oculi and resemble little eyes.

• Oak 2-row board, 16" x 5.5"
• Cells 7/8"
• Roman-style oculi glass counters, 15 each of blue and dark brown
• Two ring-and-dot bone dice
• Pieces supplied in a leather pouch

Historic Period or Date:

• Roman

Materials and Special Features:

• Quarter-sawn oak board
• Glass oculi counters
• Bone ring-and-dot dice
• Playing pieces in a leather drawstring pouch

Dimensions:

• Board: 16" x 5.5"
• Oculi: 3/8"-1/2" diameter
• Bone dice: c. 1cm square