Archaeologists in England have reignited the debate surrounding a perplexing Roman relic – the dodecahedron. Unearthed last June at a dig site in Norton Disney, the object has captivated archaeologists and the public alike due to its enigmatic purpose.
The dodecahedron, a hollow cast bronze object with 12 flat pentagonal faces, is unlike anything commonly found from the Roman period. Each face features a hole of varying size, and the corners are adorned with knobs. While over 130 similar artifacts have been unearthed across Europe since the 18th century, their function remains a complete mystery.
“It’s a very strange and bizarre object,” remarks Richard Parker, secretary of the Norton Disney History and Archaeology Group, who emphasizes the dodecahedron’s unique appearance, more akin to science fiction than a Roman artifact.
The lack of written descriptions or visual references from Roman times further deepens the enigma. “It’s hard to believe we have something from this era that we don’t know what it was for,” says archaeologist Lorena Hitchens, a specialist in Roman dodecahedrons.
This remarkable find, remarkably intact and dated to between 43 and 410 AD, is a testament to the skill of Roman artisans. The lost-wax bronze casting process used to create the dodecahedron was highly technical, especially considering the hollow form. “It’s a difficult shape to work with,” explains Hitchens.
The location of the discovery also offers clues. Dodecahedrons have exclusively been found in the Roman Empire’s northern and western provinces, primarily Britain, France, and Germany. Their absence around the Mediterranean suggests they weren’t military tools, which would have likely been used across the entire empire.
Theories regarding the dodecahedron’s purpose abound. Online communities have proposed everything from agricultural tools to dog treat dispensers. However, archaeologists are skeptical of these suggestions. The varying sizes of the holes and the delicate nature of the object make them unsuitable for practical everyday use. The uneven weight distribution due to the holes also discredits the dice theory.
A more compelling theory suggests a religious or ritualistic significance. The intricate craftsmanship and the location of the find – near a previously discovered figurine associated with worship – support this notion. “We think there is some sort of religious element to the site,” says Parker.
While the mystery persists, the Norton Disney dodecahedron offers a valuable glimpse into Roman practices, particularly in the empire’s fringes. Perhaps, as suggested by pattern designer Amy Gaines, a visitor to the upcoming exhibit at the Lincoln Museum will provide the key that unlocks the dodecahedron’s true purpose. In the words of Gaines, “Who knows, somebody may see it and make a connection… I wonder what archaeologists will think of our disposable items in 2,000 years?”
The Norton Disney dodecahedron serves as a reminder that even amidst the familiar, there are enigmas waiting to be unraveled. As research continues, this intriguing object promises to illuminate a lesser-known aspect of Roman life.