The secrets of ancient Roman civilization remain elusive, even after a lifetime of thorough research.
One such mystery is the Roman dodecahedron. This hollow bronze object is shaped like a twelve-faced polyhedron, with each face being a flat pentagon. Its presence in Central Europe does not indicate its purpose. However, several hypotheses have emerged since its first discovery over 300 years ago.
Dodecahedrons with various designs and sizes. (Photo: Amusingplanet)
The first dodecahedron was discovered in 1739 by a local historian in Aston, Hertfordshire, in the English countryside. In his report to the Antiquarian Society, he described this object as “a piece of mixed metal, or ancient bronze, comprising 12 equal faces.” This strange discovery astonished ancient researchers, but much more was yet to come.
Each object discovered thereafter varied in size and composition. Most dodecahedra measure between 4 to 11 cm and weigh from 35 to 580 grams. Each pentagonal face contains a hole, but the size of these holes is almost always different—both within a single dodecahedron and among different ones. Each of the five vertices features a small knob. Smaller than a tennis ball, these objects resemble dice more than anything else.
By 2016, 116 dodecahedron pieces had been unearthed across present-day Belgium, Croatia, France, Germany, England, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. A single sample made of silver was found in Geneva. Interestingly, no dodecahedra exist in the eastern part of the Roman Empire, as predicted. Those found in the western region date back to the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th centuries AD. The randomness of the locations and the lack of documentation have further puzzled historians.
In 1987, a man named Brian Campbell discovered a dodecahedron in his backyard. Others were excavated in Roman military camps, temples, and public baths. Some appeared in theaters and tombs, while others were found among discarded coins.
Dodecahedrons vary in shape and pattern, creating a deadlock in explanations. (Photo: Internet)
Many historians have also found these objects in antique shops, making it difficult to trace their origins. Most are adorned with designs and patterns, but never with letters or numbers that could inform us of their use. Only two dodecahedra have been found in controlled scientific excavations. One of these sites may have been a precious metal shop, confirming the possibility of these strange objects being valuable items.
Over 200 historians have proposed more than 50 potential uses for the Roman dodecahedron. The twelve-faced object primarily appeared in Gallo-Roman territories, where Roman civilization overlay Celtic civilization. In this context, the twelve pentagonal faces may have a connection to the cosmos. They may have been used for astronomical calculations, with sunlight shining through the holes at different times of the day. Dutch researcher Sjra Wagemans compared it to the icosahedron—a convex polyhedron with 20 faces—serving a similar purpose. G.M.C. Wagemans demonstrated through various estimates that some polyhedral forms could be used to determine the best time to sow winter seeds in Northern Europe.
The final hypothesis suggests that these objects were sacred and significant to religious practices. The twelve-faced dodecahedron found in the Idaean Cave (Crete) was made of crystal, and Greek characters were found on its twelve faces instead of holes. Some suggest that this small hollow object was worn as an amulet or carried in a pocket.
The twelve-faced dodecahedrons remain a significant mystery for archaeologists regarding a civilization. (Photo: Amusingplanet)
Despite our wealth of knowledge, modern researchers still struggle to discern the function and significance of these 2,000-year-old artifacts. Perhaps, at some point, further research will unveil the secrets of this small ball, which has become one of the greatest mysteries in archaeology.
