Duodecim Scripta or Alea, 2-row oak board

SORRY, ONLY WOODEN PLAYING PIECES NOW AVAILABLE - new picture coming soon

Quarter-sawn oak two-row board, with wooden counters and ring-and-dot style bone dice in a linen 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, 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.

• Oak 2-row board, 16" x 5.5"
• Cells 7/8"
• Beechwood playing pieces; 15 each of natural and black
• Two ring-and-dot bone dice
• Pieces supplied in a linen pouch

Historic Period or Date:

• Roman

Materials and Special Features:

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

Dimensions:

• Board: 16" x 5.5"
• Beechwood counters: c. 7/8" diameter
• Bone dice: c. 1cm square