The astragalos (plural: astragali) was an ancient object that served multiple purposes in both practical and ritual contexts in ancient cultures, particularly in Greece and Rome. At its core, the astragalos was a small, rounded bone, typically from the ankle of a sheep, goat, or other domesticated animals. These bones were naturally shaped with a smooth, rounded surface and were often used as gaming pieces, much like dice. In ancient times, they were integral to games of chance, which were an important aspect of entertainment and social life. The word astragalos is still used today in reference to the knucklebones used in games, but it also had cultural significance beyond recreation.

In addition to being used for gaming, astragali were sometimes employed in religious rituals. They were considered symbolic of luck and fate, and their role in divination was particularly important. In certain religious practices, astragali were thrown in rituals to determine the will of the gods or divine favor. The random outcome of the throw, similar to dice, was believed to represent the gods’ messages or decisions, and it was a form of casting lots or astragalomancy. These divinatory practices were common in both Greek and Roman religious ceremonies, where the outcome of the toss was interpreted by priests or soothsayers.

Astragali also had a symbolic connection to death and the afterlife in some cultures. In funerary contexts, they were often placed with the deceased, particularly in graves, as offerings to ensure a safe passage to the afterlife or to bring good fortune in the next life. In some instances, the bones were part of ceremonial objects used in burial rites, reflecting the belief that they could influence the fate of the deceased.