Knucklebones are believed to be an early precursor of dice. In contrast to dice, the astragalus is not entirely symmetric, with the broad side having a chance ~0.38 and the other side having a chance ~0.12. However, variations of the game can also be played with stones, seashells, or seeds.

What are knucklebones made of?

Although knucklebone pieces were originally made from the knucklebones of sheep or goats, they were later crafted in a great variety of materials: brass, copper, silver, gold, glass, bone, ivory, marble, wood, stone, bronze, terracotta and precious gems.

How do you play knucklebones in ancient Greece?

'Knucklebones' was a popular game for both children and adults. One way of playing it is essentially the game 'jacks. ' When a 'jack' was thrown into the air, players had to grab as many of the knucklebones as possible and then catch the falling jack.