A Study on the Late Antique Board Game Duodecim Scripta/Alea from Stratonikeia and Lagina

Abstract This study examines a group of graffiti board games found in the public areas of Stratonikeia, one of the important cities of the Inner Carian Region in the Late Antique Period (Late 5th and 6th centuries AD), and Lagina, which was politically affiliated to it, and aims to contribute these games to the existing literature. This game, known as “ ludus duodecim scriptorum” or “duodecim scripta” during the Roman Imperial Period and resembling backgammon, continued to be played under the name alea in the Late Antique Period. The 5 examples of alea identified in Stratonikeia and Lagina show less prevalence compared to other graffiti games documented in the city – three-in-arow, nine men’s morris, and mancala. These games were created by carving them practically and carelessly into the marble surfaces of architectural elements, rather than using specially produced luxury gaming tables. Four of these games are located in the public areas of Stratonikeia that are open to the public, while one is located on the stylobate of the Hekate Temple in Lagina. Although a decline in pagan beliefs was observed with the collapse of the Roman Empire and the acceptance of Christianity as the official religion of the state, it is understood that board games continued to be played in many cities under Imperial rule. In this context, this study conducted through the examples of Stratonikeia and Lagina aims to reveal how the religious and social transformations experienced in the Late Antique Period were reflected in leisure and entertainment practices—especially board games—through archaeological data.