Loading, please wait...
LOT 0197
Romano-British Bronze Military 'Caister Fort' Gaming Dice with Mystical Symbols
CIRCA 1ST CENTURY A.D.
3/8 in. (4.5 grams, 8.7 mm).
Cuboid die with five sides bearing incised symbols: ring-and-dot (or theta Θ), 'IV' (for 'four'), saltire (or 'X' for 'ten'), frond with four spurs to each side, similar with one spur to each side. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFound by the Roman fort at Caister, east of Norwich, Norfolk, UK, prior to 1998.
Acquired from Richard Gladdle, 9th June 1998.
From the important private collection of dice and gaming pieces of Colin Narbeth, London, UK, collection no.42.
Accompanied by a Colin Narbeth catalogue identification card.
Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Celtic & Roman Artefacts book pages where this object is published.
Mills, N., Celtic & Roman Artefacts, Witham, 2000, p.114, item no.RB357.
LiteratureCf. Spasić Durić, D., Град Виминацијум-The city of Viminacium, (in Serbian), Pozarevac, 2015, fig.166, for similar.
FootnotesThe conventional Roman dice were made in bone or lead, with dots representing numbers from 1 to 6. Roman dice from the Romano-British settlements are often poorly made and often had opposite sides that do not add up to 7. This dice is unique in the panorama of the Romano-British dice, because the symbols probably represent an alternative to the simple numerical dimples which appear on most dices.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 0197
Romano-British Bronze Military 'Caister Fort' Gaming Dice with Mystical Symbols
Sold for (Inc. bp): £546
-
Roman Bronze Horse Brooch
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Bow-brooch with hinged pin and fusiform headplate, the bow formed as the body of a horse with spur forming the arched neck and head, catch for the forelegs. 9.98 grams, 41 mm
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent. -
Roman Bronze Statuette of Attis
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £624
Figure standing with left leg advanced, wearing a simple fringed robe clasped at each shoulder; tight-fitting cap with ridge to the top, abundant hair descending to the shoulders; hands to the hips supporting a quantity of bunches of grapes and other fruit; mounted on a custom-made stand. 137 grams total, 78 mm high including stand
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent. -
Roman Bronze Plate Brooch with Vine Leaf
Circa 2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Complete with pin lug, pin and catchplate to reverse. 10 grams, 29 mm
Acquired prior to 2000. Ex private collection, Cambridgeshire, UK.
