Collection of bone counters dating from the late 2nd to the mid-3rd century AD, originating from excavations conducted by the Archaeological Section of the Winchester Museum Service on Victoria Road in Winchester during the late 1970s.
These counters were discovered within a cremation burial site located at the north gate of Roman Winchester. The remains of a cremated teenager were contained within a pottery urn, and two additional pottery vessels were included as grave offerings. Among the findings are 29 tokens, just one short of a complete set for a game called "duodecim scripta," a game similar to backgammon involving elimination. Many of these tokens bear graffiti and other inscriptions, although their specific meanings remain a mystery.
It's worth noting that Roman grave goods are often found in a fragmented or incomplete state, perhaps symbolizing that they were intended solely for use in the realm of the departed, beyond the reach of the living. It's possible that the deceased's loved ones hoped these offerings would provide comfort and enjoyment in the afterlife.