In ancient Greece, a popular game played by adults and children alike was called astragali or knucklebones. The dried ankle bones of sheep were perfect for this because they have four sides – one flat, one concave, one convex, and one with a sinuous side. A value was placed on each of the differing sides. Two or more players toss the bones in the air and either catches them on the back of the hand, or lets them fall. By adding up the value of the sides, the winner can then be determined. This game was a precursor to our modern day dice and jacks. Over the centuries, many artists, including Brueghel, have illustrated forms of this game in sculpture, painting, and Greek vase painting.
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