Technology · 10 February 2026
Artificial intelligence solves mystery of Roman limestone board game
Researchers in Europe have turned to artificial intelligence to unravel the purpose of an ancient Roman-era board discovered in the Netherlands. By running extensive game simulations and studying surface wear on a limestone slab unearthed in Heerlen, the technology helped reconstruct how the pieces were likely played. The study indicates the object was used for a strategic blocking game, long believed to date from medieval times, in which opponents aimed to outmanoeuvre each other and avoid being boxed in.
Reported by sciencenews.org · How we write briefs