Ancient Roman, Empire Bone Two Roman Bone Gaming Dice - 8.8 cm
Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 430 - € 500
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Description from the seller
Pair of small Roman gaming dice made of bone, originally forming part of a larger group of Roman gaming objects comprising dice and gaming counters.
The approximately cubic dice bear the characteristic circularly incised dot markings (“bull’s-eye” decoration) found on Roman gaming pieces. Each value is indicated by an incised or drilled concentric circle with a central point. Despite their considerable age and signs of use, these markings remain clearly visible.
The two dice display differing natural patination. One example has a lighter beige to ivory-coloured surface, while the second is considerably darker with areas of brown patination. Minor irregularities to the edges and surfaces reflect their individual hand manufacture.
Dice and board games were widespread throughout the Roman Empire and enjoyed by people from many levels of society. Dice of this type could have been used in various games of chance and board games. Well-known Roman games include Ludus Duodecim Scriptorum, Terni Lapilli and Tabula. Gaming pieces made from bone, stone and other materials are archaeologically documented from domestic, settlement and military contexts throughout the Roman world.
The carefully worked bone and characteristic circular markings correspond to the group of Roman gaming objects recorded in the associated provenance documentation.
Archaeological condition consistent with age, showing wear, patination, discolouration and deposits. One die displays visible age-related cracking and stronger surface patination. The circular markings remain predominantly clearly recognizable. Please refer to the photographs for the exact condition.
Provenance:
Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany. Acquired during the owners' extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. The collection has been documented in Germany since 1970 and remained in continuous family ownership thereafter. As was customary for private purchases made in local markets during the 1950s–1970s, purchase receipts or invoices were generally neither issued nor requested. The provenance is documented through continuous family ownership, historical photographs, and supporting biographical records.
Pair of small Roman gaming dice made of bone, originally forming part of a larger group of Roman gaming objects comprising dice and gaming counters.
The approximately cubic dice bear the characteristic circularly incised dot markings (“bull’s-eye” decoration) found on Roman gaming pieces. Each value is indicated by an incised or drilled concentric circle with a central point. Despite their considerable age and signs of use, these markings remain clearly visible.
The two dice display differing natural patination. One example has a lighter beige to ivory-coloured surface, while the second is considerably darker with areas of brown patination. Minor irregularities to the edges and surfaces reflect their individual hand manufacture.
Dice and board games were widespread throughout the Roman Empire and enjoyed by people from many levels of society. Dice of this type could have been used in various games of chance and board games. Well-known Roman games include Ludus Duodecim Scriptorum, Terni Lapilli and Tabula. Gaming pieces made from bone, stone and other materials are archaeologically documented from domestic, settlement and military contexts throughout the Roman world.
The carefully worked bone and characteristic circular markings correspond to the group of Roman gaming objects recorded in the associated provenance documentation.
Archaeological condition consistent with age, showing wear, patination, discolouration and deposits. One die displays visible age-related cracking and stronger surface patination. The circular markings remain predominantly clearly recognizable. Please refer to the photographs for the exact condition.
Provenance:
Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany. Acquired during the owners' extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. The collection has been documented in Germany since 1970 and remained in continuous family ownership thereafter. As was customary for private purchases made in local markets during the 1950s–1970s, purchase receipts or invoices were generally neither issued nor requested. The provenance is documented through continuous family ownership, historical photographs, and supporting biographical records.
Details
Culture
Ancient Roman, Empire
Century/timeframe
1st–4th Century AD
Name of object
Two Roman Bone Gaming Dice
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Bone
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Fair
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Height
8.8 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1960
Width
0.5 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
