Brief Summary
This video explores the mystery of the Roman dodecahedron, a 12-sided object found in Northern Europe dating back to the Roman period. Despite numerous theories, its purpose remains unknown due to the lack of contemporary documentation. The video examines various explanations, including its use as a military rangefinder, a calendar, a knitting tool, a message encoder, and even a simple status symbol.
- The Roman dodecahedron is a 12-sided object with holes and knobs, found primarily in Northern Europe.
- Its purpose is unknown due to the absence of written records or artistic depictions.
- Theories range from practical uses like rangefinding and knitting to symbolic roles as status symbols.
Intro
The video starts by drawing a parallel between historical objects with lost purposes, such as phone nooks and ice doors in old houses, and the mystery surrounding the Roman dodecahedron. The speaker introduces the concept of the "third condiment mystery," where the purpose of a common item from the past is now unknown due to lack of documentation. This sets the stage for exploring the enigma of the Roman dodecahedron, an object from the past whose function is currently a matter of speculation.
Tangent/Foreshadowing Cam
The speaker introduces a replica of the Roman dodecahedron, created by his producer Damian. He describes the object as having 12 sides, holes of varying sizes on each side, and knobs at the corners. Approximately 130 of these objects have been discovered, typically made of copper or bronze. The central mystery is that there are no contemporary records explaining their use, leading to widespread speculation.
Dodechahedrons Through the Ages
The most recent discovery of a dodecahedron occurred in June 2023 in Norton Disney, England. These objects vary in size, with the smallest being about 1.5 inches in diameter and the largest around grapefruit-sized. The first documented finding was in 1739 in Aston Herford, England, and since then, 133 have been found. Almost all finds are in Northern Europe, in areas once known as Gaul, dating from the 2nd to 4th centuries during Roman occupation. The speaker notes that because the objects are found so far from Rome, some argue they should be called "Gallic dodecahedrons". The time period coincides with a high point for the Roman Empire, but their exclusive presence in Northern Europe suggests a regional cultural or functional context. The absence of any mention or depiction of these objects in Roman writings or art adds to the mystery.
Theories
The video explores several theories about the purpose of the Roman dodecahedron, starting with the idea that it was a military rangefinder. This theory suggests that the different-sized holes could be used to gauge distances, potentially aided by a formula developed by Amelia Carolina Spervinga. However, the speaker questions the practicality of using such a device in battle, citing the lack of labeling and the non-uniform sizes of the dodecahedrons. Another theory suggests that the dodecahedron was a planting calendar, with a website, romandodecahedron.com, detailing how to use it as a sundial to determine planting dates. The speaker counters this by noting the existence of the Julian calendar at the time and questioning why such a device would be found in military camps and tombs rather than on farms. Amy Gaines, an Etsy shop owner, proposes that the dodecahedron was a tool for Viking knitting, using the holes and knobs to create gold chains. This theory aligns with the regional prevalence and the materials used, but the lack of wear and tear on the objects raises doubts. Matt Geven suggests that the dodecahedron was used to encode messages, with the holes serving as keys to a circular cipher. This could explain the wax residue found on some objects and their presence in military contexts, but it doesn't account for their discovery in women's graves or the lack of standardized sizes.
Want A Dodecahedron?
The speaker introduces a replica dodecahedron available for purchase, encouraging viewers to experiment with it and share their findings to crowdsource the answer to its purpose.
Sponsor - Nebula
The video promotes Nebula, a streaming service featuring independent creators, including archaeology content. It highlights the series "Archaeology Quest," where experts explore paleolithic technologies. Nebula offers early access to videos, ad-free viewing, and exclusive content, with a special offer for viewers to subscribe at a discounted rate.
