Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Gameboards carved into stone surfaces are common in Roman, Late Antique, and Medieval cities, yet their archaeological study is still in its early development. While early research focused on reconstructing game rules, recent scholarship has explored the social significance of gaming. However, the lack of systematic recording hampers our understanding of these everyday activities. This article presents initial findings from a new project analysing the numerous gameboards and related markings at Aphrodisias. Focusing on the city’s Theatre, it explores how gameboards in the cavea and the stage suggest that the Theatre was frequently used for recreation outside of times when mass spectacles were taking place. Rather than competing with theatrical entertainment, gaming complemented the Theatre’s role as a social hub.
Source: CentAUR (University of Reading)
Author: Penn, Tim
Institution: University of Reading
Language: English
Topic: Classical Antiquity Studies
Subfield: Anthropology
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7126918818
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