Ludus Latrunculorum - Roman board game
History and Tradition
Ludus Latrunculorum (often abbreviated as latrunculi) was a popular strategy board game of ancient Rome, probably inspired by Greek games such as Petteia. It was played in the Roman Empire from the 1st century BC until the late antique period. The name comes from the word latrunculus, meaning "mercenary" or "robber", referring to the military nature of the play.
The game was popular among Roman soldiers and intellectuals and was often played on tablets carved in stone or wood. Game boards have been found in various places in the Roman world, including Britain, Germany, Egypt and Pompeii.
The rules of the game
The exact rules have not survived, but reconstructions based on ancient texts and archaeological finds suggest that the game was similar to modern chess or checkers. It was played on an 8×8 or 9×10 grid with black and white stones(latrunculi) representing the soldiers.
- Movement: players took turns moving the stones horizontally or vertically.
- Capturing stones: the pieces were captured by encircling them from both sides, similar to Hnefatafl or Go.
- Goal of the game: the goal was to capture as many of the opponent's stones as possible and achieve strategic superiority.
Archaeological finds
Boards and game stones have been found in many places in the former Roman Empire:
- Britain (Vindolanda, London) - engraved game boards and stones have been found.
- Pompeii - preserved boards carved into stone benches.
- Egypt - found references to the game in written sources.
The game Ludus Latrunculorum was not only entertainment but also a training in strategic thinking, making it popular among soldiers and civilians.
- Material: leather, glass and stones
- Dimensions: 24 x 34 cm
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