Amateur researchers find a mysterious object from Roman times

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There are archaeological objects for which we still do not know what they were used for. These include the so-called Pentagon dodecahedrons from Roman times. Amateur archaeologists have unearthed one of the largest specimens ever found in England.

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

The dodecagonal object 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 Archeology Group, a group of amateur archaeologists in the Lincolnshire region of England, where it was found in June.

Found exclusively in the northern regions
The Roman pentagonal dodecahedrons were found exclusively in the northern regions where the Celts had once ruled. Had they perhaps already invented the fist-sized, hollow bronze objects with twelve pentagonal outer surfaces, each with a differently sized circular hole in the center and knobs at the corners? So far, experts have not been able to figure this out.

According to CNN, the dodecahedron found by Britain’s Norton Disney History and Archeology Group was deliberately placed in a cavity along with other clay objects about 1,700 years ago. Metallurgical studies have shown that it consists of a copper alloy: 75 percent copper, seven percent tin and 18 percent lead.

“It is complete and undamaged”
The dodecahedron is “one of the largest specimens,” according to the Norton Disney History and Archeology Group. “It is complete, undamaged and was clearly considered very valuable by its creator and users,” said Secretary Richard Parker. “So there must have been a very important reason why it was dumped in the ground the way it was.”

No description in Roman literature
There are no descriptions of dodecahedrons in Roman literature, nor depictions in mosaics, Parker told CNN. All specimens found were of different sizes, meaning they were probably not used for measurements. Because 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 item?
But the Norton Disney History and Archeology 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 required signs to make decisions in everyday life.” An indication of this belief is that the dodecahedron was found near a small Roman equestrian god figure who “had strong religious references” , says Parker.

Source: Krone

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