Ancient Roman Bone Astragalus (Knucklebone) for gaming (No reserve price)
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08
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28
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Current bid
€ 2
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
 | €2 | |
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 | €1 |
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Astragalus (Knucklebone) for gaming, an Ancient Roman bone artefact dating to the 1st–3rd century AD, measuring 17 mm by 31 mm and in good condition, with German provenance and acquired in 2026, supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity and an export license.
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Description from the seller
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.
Seller's Story
Your Antiquarian offers ancient art and ancient coins. Our main objective is to offer the highest quality at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Therefore, all the pieces that are published come from private collections in which the provenance can be checked or international auctions. All our antiquities and coins are accompanied by their Certificate of Authenticity. We have a no quibble 90 day return policy. At Your Antiquarian we are committed to helping disadvantaged groups and for this reason a portion of each purchase is donated to charities to help people in need.
Translated by Google TranslateITEM: 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.
Seller's Story
Your Antiquarian offers ancient art and ancient coins. Our main objective is to offer the highest quality at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Therefore, all the pieces that are published come from private collections in which the provenance can be checked or international auctions. All our antiquities and coins are accompanied by their Certificate of Authenticity. We have a no quibble 90 day return policy. At Your Antiquarian we are committed to helping disadvantaged groups and for this reason a portion of each purchase is donated to charities to help people in need.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Ancient Roman
Century/timeframe
1st - 3rd Century A.D
Name of object
Astragalus (Knucklebone) for gaming
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2026
Material
Bone
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Previous owner - year acquired
1990
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
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.
