Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Archaeologists have reported more than 1,000 bone dice in a concentrated area near a small red-painted building at Grand, a Roman-era site in northeastern France. The find is striking, but it does not establish that Grand was a Roman casino: the building’s purpose and the reason so many dice accumulated there remain unresolved.
What archaeologists found at Grand
Reports describe a small structure measuring approximately 4.5 by 3.8 meters beside an east-west road. Its entrance faced east, and its interior plaster was reportedly painted red above a yellow base. More than 1,000 bone dice were found in nearby deposits, alongside shoe nails, pottery fragments, animal bones, brooches (fibulae), bronze coins, and eyed needles. Three dice reportedly came from the building’s foundations. Arkeonews and Popular Mechanics report the discovery; the excavation details here reflect that coverage, not a verified primary excavation publication.
The dice are described as having small concentric-circle marks, known as ocelles, for their pips. Their faces reportedly follow the “sevens” arrangement, in which opposite sides add up to seven. The reports also say some pips may have been darkened with wax and charcoal; that detail should be understood as reported, not as independently confirmed material analysis.
Why were so many dice together?
Archaeologists have not settled on a function for the building or the concentration of dice. The main possibilities raised in the reports are a place where dice were made, a dedicated gaming space, or ritual use involving chance, divination, or appeals to the gods. Each idea raises different questions about the evidence:
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- Dice-making: A large concentration could fit production or storage, but the reports do not establish that the building was a workshop.
- Gaming: Many dice might point to repeated play in one place, but the surrounding finds do not prove that it was a gaming venue.
- Ritual use: Grand’s religious setting makes this a possibility to investigate, not a demonstrated explanation for the dice.
The three dice reportedly found in the foundations are a notable clue, but they do not by themselves show why they were placed there or what the structure was used for. Everyday objects in the nearby deposits likewise offer context without resolving the question.
What the site’s wider setting tells us—and what it does not
Grand was a substantial Roman-era center despite the small scale of the modern village. Reports describe monumental public architecture, a sanctuary associated with Apollo Grannus, an amphitheater said to have held more than 17,000 spectators, and a mosaic of more than 220 square meters in a building traditionally identified as a basilica. These features help explain why gaming, public life, and ritual are all relevant possibilities; none proves that the dice had a religious purpose.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Water-related features have also been reported in the area. Arkeonews describes a narrow conduit traced for about 20 meters north of the dice building and a possible basin at its end. Popular Mechanics discusses water piping and a likely wooden basin in connection with excavations near the basilica. Those reports do not establish that the water features and dice building belonged to one confirmed complex.
Did archaeologists discover a Roman casino?
No casino has been established. “Las Vegas” is a colorful comparison used to evoke the striking quantity of dice, not the archaeological conclusion. The reports describe the concentration as exceptional and as the largest in the region; they do not establish that it is the largest collection across the Roman world. The reported total may also change as excavation and cataloguing continue.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
The available accounts are recent secondary reporting. Popular Mechanics links to a France Télévisions segment about the excavation, but a primary excavation publication was not verified in the reporting available here. The final count, detailed object analysis, and archaeologists’ interpretation therefore remain open to confirmation.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
