knucklebones

dice game

Also known as: astragaloi

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Last updated

June 30, 2026

Quick Summary

Knucklebones, also known as "knucklebones" or "knucks," are small bones, typically from the ankle of a sheep, used in games. This game is a precursor to modern dice games. The game involves throwing these bones, and the way they land determines the outcome. Knucklebones are also referred to as jacks in a game of the same name. The term "knucklebone" itself dates back to 1577.12

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List of Children’s Games and Toys in Antiquity
Knucklebones
The term knucklebones refers to games played with sheep or goat ankle bones (astragaloi, which became the games’ name). Some games that used knucklebones were the forerunners of dice games played in the ancient Mediterranean world. In one knucklebones game, the winner was decided by which side…
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The term knucklebones refers to games played with sheep or goat ankle bones (astragaloi, which became the games’ name). Some games that used knucklebones were the forerunners of dice games played in the ancient Mediterranean world. In one knucklebones game, the winner was decided by which side…
Read More

dice
History
…immediate forerunners of dice were knucklebones (astragals: the anklebones of sheep, buffalo, or other animals), sometimes with markings on the four faces. Such objects are still used in some parts of the world.
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…immediate forerunners of dice were knucklebones (astragals: the anklebones of sheep, buffalo, or other animals), sometimes with markings on the four faces. Such objects are still used in some parts of the world.
Read More