How games that used ancient dice shaped trade and diplomacy across North America, according to a CSU archaeologist
About this episode
The episode discusses how ancient dice used by Native American hunter-gatherers influenced trade and mathematical concepts.
An ancient collection of dice discovered by archaeologists might rewrite the history of how humans have understood mathematical concepts like probability. A new Colorado State University study examined the earliest known dice in human history. Native American hunter-gatherers across the western U.S. first used the dice as early as 12,000 years ago. Robert Madden , the CSU researcher behind the finding, says these dice weren't just for entertainment. They were tools of commerce. They helped people barter and trade goods – and also helped shape early thinking about probability and other math concepts. Robert spoke with Erin O’Toole about the discovery and what it reveals about humanity’s long-running fascination with games of chance. * * * * * Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks! Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole Executive Producer: Brad Turner Theme music by Robbie Reverb Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.
People in this episode
Host: Erin O'Toole
Guest: Robert Madden
Topics covered
- ancient dice
- trade
- diplomacy
- probability
- Native American history
- archaeology
Keywords
- ancient dice
- trade
- probability
- Native American
- archaeology
- Colorado State University
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Colorado State University, KUNC
Places: North America
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