The mystery of the Roman dodecahedron

The recent discovery of a Roman-era metal dodecahedron in Norton Disney, in the UK, has turned the spotlight on an object as fascinating as it is mysterious. Its original function still remains shrouded in mystery, fuelling speculation and theories among archaeologists. What was the dodecahedron used for? There are several hypotheses.

It may have been a measuring instrument: the regular shape of the dodecahedron and its precise engravings have led some scholars to speculate on its use as a measuring tool for astronomical calculations or navigation.

It may have been a kind of playing die. Other scholars speculate that the dodecahedron may have been used as a complex playing die, with a greater number of faces than traditional Roman dice. The absence of symbols or numbers on the faces, however, makes this hypothesis less likely.

It may have been a ritual or religious object. It has not been ruled out that the dodecahedron may have had a symbolic or religious significance and may have been used in propitiatory rites or as an object of devotion to specific deities.

The Norton Disney dodecahedron fits into the broader context of findings of similar objects in different parts of the Roman Empire, especially in military contexts. Its dating, which places it between the 1st and 4th centuries A.D., allows us to assume that it was used by Roman legions during their military campaigns in Britain. Further archaeological research and scientific analysis, such as spectroscopy and radiography, could provide new clues to unlock the secret of this fascinating object. Analysis of the material of which it is made and comparison with other similar finds could help narrow the field of hypotheses and paint a clearer picture of its use.