Gaming and divination in the Hellenistic Levant: the case study of the astragalus assemblage from Maresha, Israel

A detailed analysis of over 600 astragali (knuckle bones) from the Hellenistic city of Maresha, Israel, reveals their significant role in gaming and divination practices during the 4th–2nd centuries BCE. The study, which examines morphology, taphonomy, and modification, along with distribution patterns across various caves at the site, suggests that astragali were not only used as playthings but also held ritual significance. By analyzing intra-site distribution and archaeological context, researchers deciphered how these bones functioned within the broader social and cultural life of Maresha, offering new insights into Hellenistic Levantine practices.

Perry-Gal, L., Stern, I., & Erlich, A. (2022). Gaming and divination in the Hellenistic Levant: the case study of the astragalus assemblage from Maresha, Israel. Levant, 54(1), 65–79. https://doi.org/10.1080/00758914.2022.2048433