Archaeologists in England frequently unearth Roman relics, ranging from simple nails to intricate mosaics. However, during a recent excavation in Lincolnshire, researchers stumbled upon a more peculiar artifact: a Roman dodecahedron with 12 sides.
Throughout Europe, around 130 Roman dodecahedrons have been discovered over time, yet these artifacts remain one of the most baffling mysteries in archaeology. Various theories have been proposed about their purpose, but the actual use by the ancient Romans is still unknown.
Discovering The Dodecahedron In Lincolnshire
In June last year, members of the Norton Disney History and Archaeology Group were investigating an ancient Roman pit in Lincolnshire. As they dug through the site, they uncovered items like roof tiles, animal bones, and fragments of pottery. Amidst these findings, one archaeologist unearthed a 12-sided object from the rubble.
The object unearthed was a rare Roman dodecahedron.
12-Sided Roman Artifact Found In England Puzzles ExpertsCrafted from interconnected pentagons with 12 large circular openings, this dodecahedron is believed to have been buried approximately 1,700 years ago. It is thought to date back to as early as the first century C.E. Predominantly composed of copper, with elements of tin and lead, the artifact measures about three inches in length and is in remarkably good condition.
"The Norton Disney dodecahedron is the only example found in the Midlands and is a particularly fine example," the archaeology society wrote. "It is well cast, complete with no damage and in an excellent condition. It is an example of very fine craftsmanship, finished to a high standard."
The exact purpose of Roman dodecahedrons remains unclear, though numerous theories have been proposed regarding their mysterious function.
What Are Roman Dodecahedrons?
12-Sided Roman Artifact Found In England Puzzles ExpertsTo date, approximately 130 Roman dodecahedrons have been unearthed across Europe, with 33 discovered in England alone. These artifacts continue to perplex scholars and archaeologists alike.
"There are no known descriptions of dodecahedra in Roman literature," the Norton Disney History and Archaeology Group explained, "and therefore their purpose remains extremely unclear."
The dodecahedrons have been found exclusively north of the Alps, within the ancient Roman regions like Britain, France, and Germany. This geographic distribution leads experts to question the likelihood of their use solely for military purposes, as they would then likely be more widespread and common.
The possibility of the dodecahedrons serving as measurement tools has been suggested. Yet, the variation in their sizes—from as small as two inches to over four inches in length—casts doubt on their effectiveness for precise measurement. While they may have had practical uses such as sowing seeds, knitting, or holding candles, the general lack of wear and tear on most specimens suggests they were not heavily used.
12-Sided Roman Artifact Found In England Puzzles Experts"A huge amount of time, energy and skill was taken to create our dodecahedron, so it was not used for mundane purposes, especially when alternative materials are available that would achieve the same purpose," the archaeology society stated on their site. Instead, they suspect that it was used for "ritual and religious purposes."
The society continued: "Roman society was full of superstition, something experienced on a daily basis. A potential link with local religious practice is our current working theory."
The dodecahedron found in Lincolnshire will be exhibited at the Lincoln Museum from May 4 until early September. Meanwhile, the enigma of what Roman dodecahedrons were originally used for remains unsolved.
