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AI Uncovers Ancient Game Rules, Reveals Historical Insights

2/11/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers led by Walter Crist used artificial intelligence to analyze wear on a limestone object from Heerlen, Netherlands, identifying it as Ludus Coriovalli.
They simulated thousands of games to determine the rules and found Ludus Coriovalli was likely a blocking game.
The findings imply that similar games may have existed earlier than the Middle Ages, and that AI can reveal their social significance.

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Story summary

Researchers led by Walter Crist used artificial intelligence to analyze wear on a limestone object from Heerlen, Netherlands, identifying it as Ludus Coriovalli.
They simulated thousands of games to determine the rules and found Ludus Coriovalli was likely a blocking game.
The findings imply that similar games may have existed earlier than the Middle Ages, and that AI can reveal their social significance.