AI helps archaeologists solve a Roman gaming mystery

undefined 17, 2026

Source: sciencenews

Researchers have used AI to decode the rules of a Roman-era board found in Heerlen, the Netherlands. Simulating thousands of possible games, they determined it was likely a two-player “blocking” game, now called Ludus Coriovalli, where players placed pieces to avoid being blocked. The study reveals previously unknown Roman gaming practices and demonstrates how AI can reconstruct lost historical games from wear patterns.

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