🤔 No one understands these mysterious Roman dodecahedrons

Roman dodecahedrons have puzzled researchers since their first discovery in 1739. These twelve-faced bronze objects have been found in various regions of the Roman Empire, with their purpose remaining unclear.

Nearly 120 specimens of these dodecahedrons have been documented, mainly in the northwestern provinces of the Roman Empire. Dating from the 2nd to 4th centuries, they all share a similar structure: twelve pentagonal faces with holes of varying diameters and vertices adorned with small spheres. Their size and weight vary considerably, but none have been found with inscriptions.


The absence of these objects in Italy and their presence in Celtic regions suggest a Gallo-Roman origin. Michael Guggenberger, a classical archaeologist, has conducted several studies on these artifacts. He hypothesizes they might have had symbolic significance, related to the philosophy of Plato and Pythagoras.

Theories about their use are numerous, ranging from measuring instruments to decorative objects. However, none have been definitively confirmed. Guggenberger favors the idea of a cosmic symbol representing the Universe in the Platonic-Pythagorean tradition.

A particular discovery of a dodecahedron in a female grave in Germany might provide a clue. Found alongside a bone artifact shaped like a rod, it could be a symbolic scepter. This finding strengthens the hypothesis of ritual use or as an amulet.

What is a dodecahedron in ancient geometry?

The dodecahedron is one of the five Platonic solids, perfect geometric forms studied by Greek philosophers. Each of these solids was associated with a natural element: fire, air, water, earth, and for the dodecahedron, the Universe.

These shapes were considered ideal representations of the fundamental principles of the world. The dodecahedron, with its twelve pentagonal faces, symbolized cosmic harmony and perfection.

In Pythagorean philosophy, numbers and geometric shapes held mystical significance. The dodecahedron was often linked to the celestial sphere, reflecting the order of the cosmos.

This vision influenced many cultures, including the Celts under Roman rule, who may have adopted and adapted these symbols into their own traditions.