The Roman Dodecahedron is a hollow object made from bronze or stone. It has twelve pentagonal faces and was mostly found in Roman Empire sites in Europe. However, its exact purpose remains unknown. Scholars speculate it could have been used in astronomy, religious rituals, as a measuring tool, or even as a lamp stand. This mystery has become a focus for archaeological research.
What is the Roman Dodecahedron?
The Gaulish Roman Dodecahedron consists of twelve pentagonal faces. These faces usually have holes and circular protrusions along the edges. Most dodecahedra are made of bronze, though a few are made of stone and lack the holes or protrusions. They are typically about the size of a fist, measuring 4 to 11 centimeters in height. The holes vary in size, ranging from 6 to 40 millimeters in diameter.
The first known dodecahedron was discovered in 1739 in Aston, Hertfordshire. Since then, at least 116 of these objects have been found. They range from Northern England to Hungary. Most of them were found in Gaul, particularly in the Rhineland, modern-day Switzerland, eastern France, southern Germany, and the Low Countries. Some have been discovered alongside coins, suggesting they were considered valuable. Most of these objects date to the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. 
The Discovery of the Largest Gaulish Roman Dodecahedron
In June 2023, an amateur archaeologist from Norton Disney, in eastern England, discovered the largest known Gaulish Roman Dodecahedron. The object was found in a Roman pit site, dating back about 1,700 years. It was “placed in situ” inside a 4th-century Roman pottery vessel. Further excavations will help determine the pit’s purpose.
This hollow, cast-bronze object is about the size of a fist. It has twelve pentagonal faces with holes of different sizes. Each of its 20 corners has spherical protrusions. The dodecahedron is about 7.6 cm tall and weighs around 0.23 kg. This makes it one of the largest known examples of this mysterious object. It is made of 75% copper, 7% tin, and 18% lead. This is the only one found in central England. Its craftsmanship is exceptional. Lorna Hitchens, an archaeologist who specializes in Roman dodecahedra, estimates it was made between 43 and 410 AD. Despite this solid evidence, historians and archaeologists still do not know the exact use of these objects.
The Mystery of the Roman Dodecahedron’s Use
There are no records or images of the dodecahedron in known Roman literature. The Norton Disney team believes these objects were not used for measurement since they vary in size. Additionally, there are no signs of wear, which suggests they were not tools. The Norton Disney History and Archaeology team also pointed out that creating these dodecahedra would have taken considerable time and skill. Therefore, they were unlikely to have been used for everyday purposes, especially when there were alternative materials available.
A total of 130 Roman dodecahedra have been discovered in the Roman world. Most are from northern and western Roman provinces, particularly in modern-day France and the Alps of Germany. In the UK, 33 Roman dodecahedra have been found. One was discovered in 1989 near a statue of a horse god.
Superstition in Roman Society
Superstition was a common part of daily life in Roman society. Current research suggests these objects may have been linked to local religious customs. However, more investigation is needed. The team plans to return to the discovery site later this year for further excavation. They hope to uncover more clues about the mysterious use of these objects.
