The rules were complex, and matches required immense logic and forethought to win. Terni Lapilli, a precursor to tic-tac-toe, involved a playing grid of boxes, crossed lines, or wheel-shaped patterns. These games were primarily about strategy and relied on skill. Game boards were even etched into amphitheater steps and other public spaces to allow people to play where they congregated. Roman board games were played on cloth, wood, or marble boards using stone game pieces. Lower classes would participate in street games and place bets, while the wealthy often had rooms in their villas dedicated to gaming and gambling. Wagering crossed Roman social classes and status, and, while technically illegal, was widely practiced. Gambling was even more popular than games.
As with many of their activities, they saw strong connections between the outcomes and their standing with the gods. Ancient Romans were avid gameplayers who enjoyed contests of chance and skill. While gladiator matches are the most famous form of Roman entertainment, they were far from the only ones.
