Abacus und tabulae lusoriae: geometrische Ritzzeichnungen im Gebiet der antiken Stadt Selinunt (Sizilien)

Abstract

The presented publication considers the description and characterisation of a building stone from the acropolis at Selinunt. The stone stands out because of two incisions. On its surface there is a linear system consisting of five parallel lines with each third line at its narrow side marked by a cross. Underneath the stone has an incised gaming board which cannot be identified. Further incised stones from Selinunt are also being analysed. Comparable examples of the abacus on the surface were found in sanctuaries of the Greek motherland and on the Greek islands dating to the period from the Archaic to the Hellenistic time. Therefore the find from Selinunt is unprecedented in the western Mediterranean.