Ancient Roman

A fascinating and unusually substantial bronze gaming die, weighing 28.32 grams, distinguished by its carefully arranged circular markings and an intriguing numerical configuration of four faces displaying five pips and two faces displaying two pips. This remarkable six-sided die presents a striking combination of geometric simplicity, craftsmanship and historical character. Each face is decorated with circular, ring-shaped pips featuring a central depression, creating an attractive pattern of repeated concentric motifs. Unlike the familiar arrangement of modern dice, where the six faces display values from one to six, this example has an unusual configuration: four faces bearing five circular marks and two faces bearing two, according to the reported count. This unconventional arrangement makes the object particularly interesting, potentially reflecting a specialised gaming tradition or a different system of play. The die has a robust, almost architectural appearance, with substantial square faces, softly worn edges and a richly textured bronze surface displaying dark brown, earthy and greenish tones. Gaming, Fortune and the Roman Soldier Games of chance formed an important part of everyday life throughout the ancient Roman world. Dice were used in taverns, private homes, military settlements and other social environments, offering entertainment and opportunities to test one's fortune. Roman soldiers stationed along the empire's extensive frontiers also participated in recreational gaming. Archaeological discoveries from military sites demonstrate that gaming equipment was part of life in and around Roman forts. The die therefore evokes the atmosphere of the Roman military world: soldiers gathered during moments of leisure, casting dice, challenging companions and entrusting the outcome to fortune. In Roman culture, Fortuna, the goddess of luck and fate, represented the unpredictable forces governing human success and misfortune. The casting of dice offers an especially evocative connection to this ancient fascination with chance. An Exceptional Collectible Particularly appealing is the object's substantial weight of 28.32 grams, giving it a distinctly solid character. Its repeated ring-and-dot decoration, unusual pip arrangement and geometric form distinguish it from ordinary modern gaming dice. The surfaces preserve an attractive aged appearance, with visible irregularities and contrasting tones that emphasise the object's sculptural qualities. An intriguing piece of gaming history, combining the symbolism of fortune with the everyday pleasures and pastimes associated with the ancient world. Object details - Material: Bronze or copper alloy - Form: Six-sided cubic gaming die - Decoration: Ring-and-dot circular markings - Numerical arrangement: Four faces with five pips; two faces with two pips (reported) - Weight: 28.32 g

Estimate:£211.28

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