Introductions to probability usually begin with figuring out the chances of different sums appearing on the faces of six-sided dice. Dice have been around for a long time though their history is difficult to track. Cubic dice from Rome, called "tesserae," date back to 900 BC.  Additionally, the opposite sides added up to 7 like modern dice.  Four-sided dice date back even ealier, to at least 2650 BC where they were used for Egyptian games. Dice devloped from casting sticks which are sticks that have each side representing a different outcome. Dice, however, were not only used for games, but also functioned as magical items for determing the future in some cultures.  (which is still a common purpose as seen in Magic Eight Balls).

Author: Eric Libicki

References:
Bell, R.C. Board and Table Games from Many Civilizations. (Two volumes
bound as one).  Dover:New York. 1960.

Botermans, Jack, Tony Burrett, Pieter van Delft, Carla van Splunteren.
The World of Games.  Facts on File Inc.:New York. 1989.