ITEM: Astragalus (Knucklebone) MATERIAL: Bone CULTURE: Roman PERIOD: 1st - 3rd Century A.D DIMENSIONS: 17 mm x 31 mm CONDITION: Good condition PROVENANCE: Ex German private collection, acquired before 2000s Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export license In the Roman period, the game of Astragalus, commonly known as knucklebones, was a popular pastime that held both recreational and symbolic significance. Astragalus refers to the anklebone of a sheep or goat, and the game involved the tossing and catching of these small, knobby bones. The game was widely played in ancient Rome and was enjoyed by people of various social classes, including children and adults. Astragalus was not just a simple game; it held cultural and ritualistic meaning in Roman society. The game was often associated with divination and fortune-telling. Players would cast the knucklebones and interpret the results based on how they landed. Different sides of the bones were marked, and the positions in which they fell were believed to convey messages or predictions about the future. The game was sometimes linked to the worship of gods associated with luck and fortune. The knucklebones themselves were often fashioned from the actual anklebones of sheep or goats, and they could be intricately carved or decorated. Some sets of Astragalus included four bones with distinct markings, allowing for a variety of game configurations and interpretations. The popularity of Astragalus extended beyond mere entertainment, influencing aspects of Roman art, literature, and even religious practices.