The Mystery of Roman Dodecahedrons
The discovery of a 12-sided bronze object from the Roman Empire has left scientists scratching their heads over its purpose. This geometrically intricate item, known as a dodecahedron, was first unearthed in the English Midlands in 1739. Since then, about 120 similar artifacts have been found across the former Northwestern Provinces of the Roman Empire, with all dating from the late second to the fourth centuries. Classical archaeologist Michael Guggenberger has contributed significantly to the study of these objects, describing them as pentagonal dodecahedrons formed by 12 pentagon-shaped surfaces that converge at 20 corners.
The dodecahedrons vary in size, resembling objects from a golf ball to a grapefruit, including one recently found in Norton Disney, Lincolnshire, in 2023. Richard Parker from the Norton Disney History and Archaeology Group noted the artifact’s remarkable condition, maintaining completeness after being buried for over 1,700 years. Despite the wealth of findings, experts remain perplexed about how these objects were used, with Smithsonian reporting that “nobody knows for certain how the Romans used them.”
Interestingly, these dodecahedrons were found across various countries, including Austria, France, and Luxembourg, but notably absent from Italy. This observation led Guggenberger to hypothesize a connection between the items and the Celtic tribes within the Roman Empire. The artifacts have been discovered alongside human remains in graves and discarded in rubbish heaps, further complicating the inquiry into their intended purpose. Their absence in ancient artwork and any corresponding historical references has made understanding their significance even more elusive.
To date, researchers have proposed around 50 theories regarding the dodecahedron’s potential functions. Suggestions range from practical tools such as weapons or range finders to more imaginative possibilities like candlestick holders or gaming dice. Despite the variety of theories, many scholars argue that the dodecahedrons’ ornate craftsmanship indicates they served a more significant role than mere utility. The Norton Disney group emphasized the effort and skill invested in creating these items, highlighting their pristine condition, which suggests they were not everyday tools.
Guggenberger posits that these dodecahedrons may have held a symbolic significance influenced by the philosophies of ancient Greek thinkers like Plato and Pythagoras. In their framework, various geometric shapes correspond with the classical elements—tetrahedrons symbolize fire, octahedrons air, icosahedrons water, and hexahedrons earth—while the dodecahedron stands out as a universal emblem. This characteristic could imply a deeper metaphysical or cosmological significance that transcends mundane applications.
A notable breakthrough occurred in 1966 when a dodecahedron was found alongside a rod-shaped bone artifact in a woman’s grave in Germany. This discovery raised the intriguing possibility that the dodecahedron served as a decorative piece, perhaps akin to a staff or ceremonial scepter used in pagan rituals. Guggenberger believes that, at its core, the dodecahedron likely functioned as a cosmic symbol, akin to an amulet, embodying the universe’s expanse and significance within ancient Roman and Celtic cultures.
