Knucklebones
Number of players: 2+
Type of game: Skill
Period: 1400BC+
Knucklebones is an ancient game of skill and chance, originally played with the ankle bones (astragali) of sheep or goats. It has appeared in cultures across ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt, and Central Asia, and is considered an ancestor to dice and modern dexterity games like jacks.
History of Knucklebones
Ancient Origins: Dates back at least to 1400 BCE in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Name: Derived from the Greek astragaloi, meaning “ankle bones.”
Cultures: Played by Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Persians, Chinese, and Indians.
Materials: Originally made from actual bones; later carved from metal, ivory, glass, or stone.
Depictions: Shown in ancient vase paintings, including images of Aphrodite and Helen of Troy playing.
Shut The Box
Number of players: 4(2 teams of 2)
Type of game: Dice
Period: 1100+
Shut the Box is a traditional dice game that dates back several centuries and has been popular in English pubs and households. It is a simple yet engaging game of chance and strategy where players aim to “shut” (flip down) all numbered tiles by rolling dice and matching the sum to open tiles.
History of Shut the Box
Origins: Thought to have originated in France or England during the 12th to 18th centuries.
Popularity: Became a favourite pastime in English pubs from the 19th century onwards.
Name Meaning: The phrase “shut the box” refers to closing all the number tiles.
Variations: Many local and house rules have developed over time.
Legacy: Considered a fun gambling game, teaching addition and probability.