Ancient Roman Table Games

Ancient Roman table games were a popular form of entertainment across all social classes. Games such as Ludus Latrunculorum (a strategic board game similar to chess or checkers) and Tali or Tesserae (dice games) were played in homes, taverns, and public spaces. Many games involved skill, strategy, and sometimes gambling. Game boards and pieces have been found in archaeological sites throughout the Roman Empire, often carved into stone or made from bone, glass, or metal. These games not only provided leisure but also reflected Roman values of competition, intellect, and social interaction, forming an essential part of daily Roman life.