Games of the Ancient Greeks - Info sheet

Delving into the pastimes of ancient Greek children, archaeological discoveries and the study of ornate pottery vases have shed light on the assortment of toys and games that captured their imaginations. These young Greeks were fond of playing with a variety of toys, which included miniature pottery figures and intricately crafted dolls made from an array of materials, such as rags, wood, wax, and clay. Remarkably, some of these dolls were designed with movable arms and legs, allowing for more interactive play.

In addition to these figurines and dolls, the children of ancient Greece found delight in simple yet engaging toys such as rattles and hoops. They demonstrated dexterity with yo-yos and enjoyed riding hobby horses fashioned from sticks. Their version of ball games involved balls constructed from tied rags or pig bladders that were inflated. Another pastime included a game akin to marbles or tiddlywinks, where the objective was to flick nuts into a designated hole or circle. Interestingly, keeping pets like dogs, geese, and chickens was also part of their daily lives, as depicted in their art. One particular game that stood out was 'knucklebones', which was similar to modern jacks or five stones, but played with the actual ankle bones of goats or sheep, illustrating the resourcefulness and creativity in their play.