The ancients also worried about the risks of gambling. But even Roman emperors played dice
The Conversation
Ancient Greeks and Romans gambled despite concerns, with emperors like Augustus and Claudius playing dice, while authorities tried laws and social stigma to curb the habit.Summary
The article explores how ancient Greeks and Romans, despite worries about gambling's risks, engaged in it enthusiastically. Roman emperors like Augustus (who lost 20,000 sesterces in a single game) and Claudius (who played dice even while traveling) exemplified the allure of gambling. Social stigma and legal measures, such as Roman laws against gambling and Christian exclusion from communion, were implemented, but these efforts largely failed. The persistence of gambling highlights the enduring human hope that the next bet might change everything, a challenge governments have struggled to control throughout history.
(Source：The Conversation)