Dodecahedron
This bronze artefact is referred to as a dodecahedron. Dating to between the 1st and 4th centuries AD, it is associated with the time of the Roman Empire.
It has 12 sides with 12 circular holes of varying diameters. These holes are set within 12 equal pentagons. There are small, spherical projections at each point of all the pentagons. Concentric grooves are forged around the holes of each of the 12 faces.
The exact purpose of this object is still a mystery as we have no written evidence from the classical sources. Various theories have been suggested, including that it was a gaming piece, a candleholder, a measuring device, a surveying instrument and so on.
Most scholars agree that it was a surveying instrument as the hole in each diametrically opposite face is proportionally related to the other one, albeit never the same size. As a result, it is possible to determine ratios from looking through the holes and aligning sight with a distant object.
Dodecahedron/Metal,Copper Alloy,Bronze/1st to 4th century AD/The Hunt Collection/PD
Other examples
To date, approximately 130 of these objects have been found in Europe including England, Wales, the Netherlands, France, Belgium and Germany. These countries formed the north-western provinces of the Roman Empire (Britannia, Gaul and Germania).
The dodecahedra vary in size and weight, ranging from the size of a golf ball to a cricket ball. With this in mind, some archaeologist have dismissed the idea that dodecahedra were used as measuring devices. Rather, it has been suggested that they were used for religious or ritual purposes. One dodecahedron found in Germania contained remnants of wax- perhaps it was used to hold a candle in a religious ceremony.
Aside from the absence of written evidence about dodecahedra, another issues is that very few of these objects have been found in their original context. However, earlier this year an intact dodecahedron was found during an archaeological excavation in Lincolnshire. This dodecahedron was fully intact and showed no signs of wear, cementing the theory that the object had a more ritual-based function. In addition, it was highlighted that this dodecahedron displays a high level of craftmanship, so it was likely not used for an everyday purpose.
It is hoped that further examination and research of this dodecahedron and the archaeological site on which it was found will help to shed light on its function.
Roman dodecahedron. Norton Disney History and Archaeology Group.
Sources
The Hunt Museum Essential Guide. Scala Publishers. 2002.
Newcastle University. https://www.ncl.ac.uk/press/articles/latest/2024/01/diggingforbritaindodecahedron/
Anderson, Sonja. Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/another-of-ancient-romes-mysterious-12-sided-objects-has-been-found-in-england-180983632/
