Archaeologists conducting excavations at the Magna Roman Fort in Northumberland have unearthed a unique bone gaming die, providing an extraordinary insight into the recreational pursuits of the site's ancient inhabitants. This marks the first time such an object has been discovered at Magna, a significant Roman outpost on Hadrian's Wall.
The small bone die was found during Period 8 excavations, specifically next to the furnaces of the praetorium bathhouse. Sue Mingay, the excavator who made the discovery, expressed her delight, noting the delicate markings on the object. The find offers a direct and relatable connection to the people who lived at Magna nearly 2,000 years ago, highlighting how they spent their leisure time.
Susan Galloway, communications manager for The Vindolanda Trust, which oversees the Magna site, emphasised the immediate human connection the die provides. She noted its popularity on social media, attributing this to the widespread familiarity with dice-rolling in modern games. The discovery helps to bring the human story of Magna to life, bridging the gap between ancient history and contemporary experience.
The ongoing Magna Excavations are part of an ambitious five-year project, supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This long-term endeavour aims to uncover more about the Roman fort and its inhabitants. Previous notable discoveries at the site have included 4th-century paving stones, remnants of a Hadrianic hypocaust system – an ancient form of underfloor heating used in the commander's private bathhouse – as well as a copper alloy Roman belt buckle and a spearhead.
The unearthing of the bone die enriches the understanding of daily life beyond military and administrative duties at the fort. It suggests that even in a frontier outpost, soldiers and civilians engaged in common pastimes, offering a tangible link to their personal lives. Researchers are now keen to discover if a corresponding game board might also be found.