Playing piece

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This bone playing piece is one of a number found at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. It was used sometime between 80 and 180 AD.

The playing piece was decorated with concentric rings, presumably carved while turning the disc.

The evidence for Roman games in Britain consists mainly of dice and boards for games similar to backgammon and draughts. Playing pieces are generally of bone or pottery sherds, though quality glass counters are also known.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-037-243-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 1053
• Date: Between 80 and 180 AD
  
• Material: Bone
  Gaming piece / playing man
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Gaming piece / playing man
  
• Subject:
• Who: Newstead Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  
• Event:
• Description: Gaming piece of bone, from Newstead, Roxburghshire
  
• References:
  • Curle, J. A Roman frontier post and its people: the fort of Newstead. Glasgow: MacLehose, 1911, p 338, Pl. XCIII, 32. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: