Ludus latrunculorum

Ludus latrunculorum
Modern reconstruction. Museum Quintana of Archaeology, in Künzing, Germany
GenresBoard game
Abstract strategy game
Players2
Setup time1 minute
Playing timeUnknown
ChanceNone
SkillsStrategy, tactics
SynonymsLatrunculi
Latrones

Ludus latrunculorum, latrunculi, or simply latrones ("the game of brigands", or "the game of soldiers" from latrunculus, diminutive of latro, mercenary or highwayman) was a two-player strategy board game played throughout the Roman Empire. It is said to resemble chess or draughts, as it is generally accepted to be a game of military tactics. Because of the scarcity of sources, reconstruction of the game's rules and basic structure is difficult, and therefore there are multiple interpretations of the available evidence.