Ludus duodecim scriptorum

Ludus duodecim scriptorum, also written XII scripta, was a board game popular during the time of the Roman Empire. Its name translates as game of twelve markings, probably referring to the three rows of twelve markings, thirty six in all, found on most surviving boards. Boards have been found carved into stone surfaces in public spaces such as forums and bathhouses, which suggests a pastime for ordinary citizens as well as soldiers and nobles. It was played with three cubic dice and fifteen pieces per player, though very little about specific gameplay has survived. The earliest known mention is in Ovid's Ars Amatoria, and the game tabula is thought to be a descendant of it, both being tables games like modern backgammon.