Veni, Vidi, Ludique

Games and toys, a subject that fascinates everyone. In every society, they occupy an important place at every stage of life. If life can be a game, play is certainly part of life.

But what about in Greco-Roman antiquity? Did men play with women? Did children play with their parents? Did boys and girls play the same games? Did people play differently then than they do now? What do we still know about what amused and educated children 2,000 years ago?

This publication, based on the“Veni, vidi, ludique : le jeu de la vie” exhibition, traces the place of games and toys in the life cycle, from infancy to adulthood, from rattles to collective games and games of chance. You’ll learn about the many facets of play culture in Antiquity, linking childhood and ritual, men and gods, and chance and divination.

This publication was issued to coincide withthe exhibition.