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The oldest die in Poland - used over two thousand years ago

26.09.2023 21:30
A die used by Celts living in today's Silesia has been discovered by archaeologists in Samborowice, southern Poland. 
Recreational die found in  Samborowice (Silesia, Poland).
Recreational die found in Samborowice (Silesia, Poland). Photo: Muzeum Śląskie

The die below is over two thousand years old. It was made and used for playing by Celts living in today's southern Poland (Silesia) - in the second century BC. 

The die seems to be relatively "new" in the sense of being unused for playing. There are few signs of wear and tear. As is visible in the pictures, it has a different construction than the cubic dice familiar to us today. 

Archaeologists are not sure what game or games it was to be used in. It is possible it was intended for some kind of early board game, with the board perhaps made of organic material which very rarely survives until today. 

Sources: National Geographic Poland, Twitter, Museum of Silesia

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