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Ancient Native Americans Used Dice 12,000 Years Ago

4/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Colorado State University researchers report that Native Americans created and used two-sided dice more than 12,000 years ago, predating Old World dice by 6,000 years.
The study, published in American Antiquity, identifies over 600 probable bone dice from North American sites.
These bone dice were used in structured games of chance, reflecting knowledge of randomness and probability and highlighting gambling's role in social interactions among ancient Native American groups.

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Story summary

Colorado State University researchers report that Native Americans created and used two-sided dice more than 12,000 years ago, predating Old World dice by 6,000 years.
The study, published in American Antiquity, identifies over 600 probable bone dice from North American sites.
These bone dice were used in structured games of chance, reflecting knowledge of randomness and probability and highlighting gambling's role in social interactions among ancient Native American groups.