In the world of cubes, there is an interesting and subtle feature – the opposite sides of standard dice always add up to seven. This means that one is opposite six, two is opposite five, and three is opposite four. But have you ever wondered why this configuration exists?
During the Middle Ages, dice were often created with consecutive numbers on opposite sides – one opposite two, three opposite four, five opposite six. In ancient civilizations like Sumer and Egypt, the placement of dots on the faces of dice was random. The standard configuration we see today, where opposite sides add up to seven, only became the norm later on.
Some believe that this uniform distribution of values on dice promotes randomness in rolls, but mathematically, this theory does not hold true. The probability of rolling each value remains the same, regardless of their position on the dice.
The advantage of the modern configuration is that it minimizes the impact of small production imperfections on the average result. However, it is unlikely that this was the primary reason for this configuration. It emerged thousands of years ago, long before probability theory and quality control processes were in place.
The first dice with the standard numbering we see today appeared in Egypt during the New Kingdom in the 16th century BC. The Greeks later adopted this tradition in the first millennium BC, and it was then further established in Roman culture.
It is likely that the choice of this configuration was based on aesthetics. Having opposite sides of a dice add up to seven creates a symmetry that is visually appealing and unachievable through other means. Additionally, the number seven holds mathematical significance and simplicity, making it a fitting choice. In ancient times, the harmony of numbers played a crucial role in games.
By the end of the Middle Ages, the use of any other configuration had become prohibited, solidifying the standard for centuries to come. This strict adherence to tradition was due to the perception that it was an integral part of the game’s order. As a result, the configuration with opposite sides summing up to seven became an unwavering norm.