- A game for 2 to 6 players, plus aedile (moderator) and iudex (referee in case of disputes), if desired. The game is designed for practice in Latin-roots-to-English-words. The scheme may be modified to create a review exercise to your own criteria.
- Print out the gamepieces and the two halves of the game board. Mount on stiff paper, cardstock, or cardboard, color the board, and attach the metae (posts).
- Color each currus (chariot) according to its Latin name. Red, white, blue, and green were the four original colors used by racing teams. As the number of teams increased, the colors purple and yellow were added.
- Decide who goes first and what the order of play will be. Dice can be used. Romans used what we would recognize as dice but knucklebones of sheep were also used as a form of dice. See p. --- of this booklet for more about knucklebones.)
- Each auriga (charioteer) selects a chariot for his or her marker.
- Players roll dice and travel along the race course the same number of steps as the roll of the dice. The aedile asks the player a question keyed to the Roman number where he has landed. A correct answer gets another turn. If 'Lege chartam' turns up, draw a card and follow its instructions on the board. Cave, periculosum est!
- Vincit ludum qui primus advenit ad finem. You should decide the pretium that the victor will receive. Some suggestions:
- Create a wreath (out of real laurel leaves or paper ones) that winner can wear during class.
- Other class members wait on the winner by carrying books, bringing treats, etc., for a set period of time.
- Winner can be exempted from classroom chores, such as cleaning the board.
Partes Ludi
(What is needed for play)
- Game board in two parts: color and tape the two parts together and mount on cardboard.
- Aurigae as individual player markers: mount on stiff paper and cut out; fold over the base so each will stand up and alone.
- Metae: Cut out, mount on stiff paper or cardboard, color, and insert into game board. Or create your own metae of clay or similar materials.
- One set of play cue cards cut up and ready for use.
- Pair of dice or knucklebones to determine order of play. (Reproductions of Roman knucklebones can be found on the Internet, but you could visit your local butcher to see if any are available there. If there is a slaughterhouse in your area, that might also be a source.)
- One fancy napkin, scarf, or handkerchief for the aedile to drop at the start of the game with the words, 'Incipite ludos!' (begin the games!) or 'Incipiant ludi!' (may the games begin).
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