Roman Dodecahedron Replica - An Ancient Mystery for your Home!

Accurate 1:1 (4") replica of the Roman Dodecahedron originally found at the French Jublains archaeological site. 3D printed from PLA filament and hand painted, available in 4 finishes:

• Hand Painted Bronze Color
• Hand Painted Bronze Color with Green Patina
• Hand Painted Bronze Color with Blue Patina

A Roman dodecahedron is a mysterious, hollow bronze object shaped like a 12-sided polyhedron. It dates from the 2nd to 4th centuries AD and is found across the Roman Empire, particularly in areas where Romans and Celts interacted. The dodecahedra, with their unique design of circular holes and protruding knobs, have baffled archaeologists, with their purpose remaining a mystery.

Discovery and Location:

• Frequency: About 130 dodecahedra have been found across the Roman Empire, with the majority in northern Europe and Britain.
• Context: They have been discovered in diverse locations, including military camps, public baths, temples, and tombs.
• Date: They date from the 2nd to 4th centuries AD.

Possible Uses and Theories:

• The precise function is unknown, with numerous theories including:
• Military: Military banner ornaments, army standard bases, or tools for calibrating water pipes.
• Religious: Artifacts related to religious rituals or beliefs.
• Astronomical: Devices for measuring time or astronomical observations.
• Candlesticks: Wax was found inside one example.
• Dice: They could have been used as dice for games.
• Surveying: Instruments for surveying or measuring.
• Cordage: Some suggest they might have been used in the making of ropes or cordage.

Why the Mystery Remains:

• No mention of them is found in contemporary Roman texts or pictures.
• Their diverse contexts and lack of clear wear suggest they were not solely tools.
• The high-quality casting and lack of wear further contribute to the mystery.