Games

Ancient Romans spent their time playing the game of chance, called "heads or tails" (navia aut capita), but only in the Saturnalia- a type of party. If they were watching people perform physical activities, they were allowed make a bet on who would be the best. Another game, "Par impar" was almost the same as "heads or tail." One player would place in his/her hand little stones (or small bones or nuts). Then other players tried to guess whether her/his hand formed an even or odd amount. It is said that Augustus played this game with his family in the palace. Games of chance, however, were not encouraged outside of the home. If somebody played a game of chance in public he could be punished. Other forms of entertainment included gladiator fights and races.

The Romans also went to forums and parks to play chess and other games. One game enjoyed by many was called "Micatio." First, both players placed their hands up with a certain numbers of fingers upright. At the same time they tried to guess how many fingers are upright all together. The game continued until somebody guessed the right answer. By the 4th century, the game of "Micatio" was no longer played in Rome, but it survives in modern times in southern Italy.