RegionNorthern Africa, Western Asia, Eastern Europe, Northern Europe, Southern Europe, Western Europe
CategoryBoard, War, Custodial
Description
Ludus Latrunculorum ("Game of Robbers") is a game from the Roman Empire, beginning in the final centuries BCE, that appears to have been particularly popular in the Roman military. It is mentioned in various authors such as Ovid, Seneca, and Isidore of Seville. Boards have ben found throughout the areas occupied by the Romans, especially in forts. Boards range in size from 6x7 to 14x14 and are not always exactly square. Glass counters were frequently used as pieces. Some speculation exists that this game developed into later tafl games.
Rules
Played on a rectangular grid. 6x7 to 14x14. Two players. Pieces move orthogonally. Pieces can be blocked. Custodial captures.
Scholarly rulesets Schädler 1994
Proposed by Ulrich Schädler in 1994. Schädler 2001
Rules proposed by Ulrich Schädler in 2001. Locus Ludi Seneca
Proposed by the Locus Ludi Project. Locus Ludi Piso
Rules proposed by the Locus Ludi Project.
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