Unclear what it was used for

Amateur researchers find mysterious Roman object

There are archaeological objects for which it is still not known what they were used for. These include the so-called pentagon dodecahedrons (pictured) from Roman times.

(Bild: Norton Disney History and Archaeology Group)

There are archaeological objects for which it is still not known what they were used for. These include the so-called pentagon dodecahedron from Roman times. Amateur archaeologists in England have unearthed one of the largest specimens ever found.

A dodecahedron discovered in the summer of 2023, which dates back to the 4th century AD and is exceptionally well preserved, raises the questions surrounding the mysterious objects once again.

The twelve-sided object with its 20 corners is one of only 33 known examples from Roman Britain and one of around 130 worldwide. It is considered "one of the great mysteries of archaeology", according to the Norton Disney History and Archaeology Group, a group of amateur archaeologists in the Lincolnshire region of England, where it was found in June.

There are archaeological objects for which it is still not known what they were used for. These include the so-called pentagon dodecahedron (pictured) from Roman times.

(Bild: Norton Disney History and Archaeology Group)

Found exclusively in northern regions
The Roman pentagon dodecahedrons were only found in northern regions where the Celts had once ruled. Could it be that they had already invented the hollow bronze objects, about the size of a fist, with twelve pentagonal outer surfaces, each with a circular hole of a different size in the middle and knobs at the corners? Experts have still not been able to find out.

According to CNN, the dodecahedron found by the British Norton Disney History and Archaeology Group was deliberately placed in a hollow around 1700 years ago along with other clay objects. Metallurgical tests have shown that it is made of a copper alloy - 75 percent copper, seven percent tin and 18 percent lead.

The dodecahedron was deliberately placed in a hollow together with other clay objects.

(Bild: Norton Disney History and Archaeology Group)

"It is complete and undamaged"
According to the Norton Disney History and Archaeology Group, the dodecahedron is "one of the largest specimens". "It is complete, undamaged and was clearly considered very valuable by its maker and its users," said its secretary, Richard Parker. "So there must have been a very important reason for it to have been deposited in the ground as it was."

No description in Roman literature
There are no descriptions of dodecahedrons in Roman literature or pictorial representations in mosaics, Parker told CNN. All the specimens found were of different sizes, which means that they were probably not used for measuring. Since the dodecahedron uncovered in June is undamaged and shows no signs of wear, it is unlikely to be a tool, he added.

Is it a ritual object?
But the Norton Disney History and Archaeology Group has a working theory, Parker said. "Most likely they were some kind of religious or ritual object. The Romans were a very superstitious people and generally needed signs to make decisions in their daily lives." One indication of this assumption is that the dodecahedron was found near a small Roman equestrian god figurine, which "has strong religious references," says Parker.