Morra was known to the ancient Romans and is popular around the world, especially in Italy. In the Bible, it may have been referred to as "casting lots". In ancient Rome, it was called "micatio", and playing it was referred to as "micare digitis"; literally, "to flash with the fingers". As time passed, the name became morra, a corruption of the verb "micare". The game was so common in ancient Rome that there was a proverb used to denote an honest person which made reference to it: "dignus est quicum in tenebris mices", literally, "he is a worthy man with whom you could play "micatio" in the dark". "Micatio" became so common that it came to be used to settle disputes over the sale of merchandise in the Roman forum. This practice was eventually banned by Apronius, prefect of the city. The game followed Roman colonists as they spread through Europe, the Near East and North Africa.