Talk:Roman dodecahedron/Archive 1

Proposal
What if these are found together with coins, because they were designed, with the purpose, to measure the size of the coins? Since the roman coins contained certain ammount of noble metal, and they could be wear and tear? This could be easily checked by comparing the sizes of the holes with the sizes of the coins.

proposal
They are calendars. Month upward with the 30 vertices rotated forward for days. -evanmcbeth


 * Unfortunately, months under the Julian calendar ere not all 30 days long. Seven months had 31 days.  --Edgewise (talk) 23:15, 18 June 2011 (UTC)


 * Anyway, a dodecahedron has 20 vertices... AnonMoos (talk) 21:32, 2 January 2013 (UTC)

other proposal
What if they are just pieces of old abstract art? -Anonymous — Preceding unsigned comment added by 68.210.173.39 (talk) 21:49, 6 November 2011 (UTC)


 * Roman culture had plenty of abstract ornamental decorative art, such as the "egg and dart" pattern, various quasi-geometric mosaic motifs, not-too-realistic quasi-floral ornamentation on Corinthian column capitals, etc. However, 20th-century style freestanding abstract sculptures which are purely art for art's sake (à la Alexander Calder etc.) are not attested.  In any case, if the "art" explanation applied, it would be expected that they would vary with the whims of the artist, and not all be constructed according to a somewhat standardized pattern... AnonMoos (talk) 13:43, 7 November 2011 (UTC)

another proposal
Could it be something as simple as a child's toy? Tonymarkel (talk) 11:33, 27 March 2012 (UTC)


 * Like a cat toy with a traped ball inside?! Probably too expensive, and the knobs would have been worn from stone floors. WonderWheeler (talk) 10:54, 7 August 2012 (UTC)

dice
They indeed look like "toys" in the sense of gaming dice. The different sizes of holes indicate different outcomes. These artifacts then should be found near military bases, maybe associated with gains/losses, because roman militarymen were notorious players. Dice like these actually still exist, without the spheres though. On a rough surface, where the result of a thrown dice could be unclear, the spheres may clarify which side is down (and which is up). Did really no one come up with this before ? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 62.167.54.156 (talk) 08:01, 16 July 2015 (UTC)

OOO K!
I believe they are used to build temporary structures or tents. Poles are stuck/inserted into the holes. The poles are secured by cords tied around the protuding knobs.--Jondel (talk) 10:31, 1 May 2012 (UTC)

Greek Scientific Model of the Cosmos and the Symbol of the Pythagorean Cult
I'm working on a rather fuzzy theory, that this is the model of the cosmos, the physical model demonstrating the so-called music of the spheres, to describe how the concentric circular orbits of the solar system would, in their minds, coexist with other nearby solar systems. They did not understand the concept of spiral galaxies at the time. They did understand the world was round, and the known planets moved in concentric rings. The whole dodecahedron figure might be thought of as part of their cosmos, each of the 12 faces being another nearby solar system. The difference in size of the holes in the model's faces implying that there were solar systems of different sizes and different number of planets. The big knobs at the vertex of the dodecahedron, I don't have an explanation for, they were probably not suns, but were apparently some other celestial object, that seems to tie this cosmos model together. Presumably, in their thinking, other dodecahedrons, perhaps we could use the term psudo-galaxy, would connect to form a larger local group of sort. Sort of like a system of soap bubbles connected to each other, the interior of each bubble empty, the planets which would look like stars to them more or less on the surface of the bubbles, the bubbles not necessarily all 12 sided, except in ideal circumstances.

This would be a status symbol and teaching model sitting on an educated person's fireplace mantle top presumably, as a nicknack that could be used to explain many things. Perhaps even make inferences into Pythagorean-like theories of diet, mathmatical ideals, reincarnation, morality, even the atomic theory of the day, and how atoms and molecules worked together. WonderWheeler (talk) 10:47, 7 August 2012 (UTC)

Suggestion Beer Filter
It is a filter for drinking beer. Beer had granules from the barley and flavoring of the beer. This substance needed filtered out using straws such as pictured in this image (http://www.basarchive.org/bswb_graphics/BSBA/36/05/BSBA360505522L.jpg) or jars with similar filter structures built in as pictured ( http://www.basarchive.org/bswb_graphics/BSBA/36/05/BSBA360505520.jpg). — Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.220.173.68 (talk) 20:44, 20 September 2013 (UTC)

knitting gloves
It is claimed that these are tools for knitting gloves. Unlike any other theories (candlestick, dice, surveyer, calendar, religious, calibrator, pole base, toy, etc) this would explain all of the conserved features, as well as both the range of variation and limits of variation between examples, as well as the geographical distribution, as well as the absence of other features (which contradict the other theories). Source: Cesiumfrog (talk) 22:44, 12 June 2014 (UTC)


 * I don't particularly understand why this would require a full dodecahedron, but if it's supported byn a reliable scholarly source (not a Youtube video), then it could be included in the article... AnonMoos (talk) 12:23, 14 June 2014 (UTC)

Episode 29 of Mysteries at the Museum that discusses this object. It claims Martin Hallan living in Salisbury England in 2014, used a 3-D printer to make one. He then created gloves out of them using yarn. Further they said these dodecahedrons were found in the north colder climates. They referred to one in the Augusta Raurica museum in Switzerland. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 73.95.134.176 (talk) 02:39, 16 November 2018 (UTC)

Candle Holder
Before industrialization, there were no standard sizes for candles, so an item like this would be designed to hold a variety of them. Proof of this lies in the fact that they are found only in the northern parts of the Roman Empire. In the south, oil lamps were used for illumination. Forrest Johnson (talk) 20:55, 7 August 2018 (UTC)


 * Agreed, but it would appear the objects were also specifically designed to hold lenses, which were fitted and held in place by the knobs. In this sense, light could be amplified and directed where it was needed most.  — Preceding unsigned comment added by 209.88.139.111 (talk) 15:55, 19 February 2020 (UTC)

Rope Maker
5 ropes come in from the sides and go threu the other hole, depending on the thinkes of the end rope result you choose one of the 2 left over hole size, knot the end in one place, and spin the end (with the knot clockwise or counter clock wise), the balls are there to guide the ropes to it place, and that they dont get stuck. After spinning clock wise or anti clock wise long enough you have a rope thats twisted into place with a total of 5 ropes making one big strong rope. Look at this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=By8K5mKSwDA now replace the wooden block for the dodecahedron and work the same way as they do. Instead of 2 or 3 handling the rope making with a wooden block ,now with the dodecahedron one man can twist a rope into place, the wooden block gets stuck and needs guidence the dodecahedron does not need a person to do that,it manages it self forward. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Ccjveld (talk • contribs) 23:21, 15 August 2018 (UTC)

Standard weight
Used for creating standard size lead balls for commerce? When 5 studs touch sphere's surface and hole leaves no mark when it is moved/rotated they are guaranteed to have uniform size? (JMV 46.132.79.219 (talk) 22:50, 10 December 2018 (UTC))

something to do with securing a load
They seem very suited to looping a cord or part of a net around them and their weight and knobbliness might help keep them from shifting around. Perhaps a bored person with a 3D printer will experiment... MetaGrrrl (talk) 22:00, 19 March 2020 (UTC)

Roman dodecahedronbin
The Roman dodecahedron was used as a method for making multi-core rope.each length of rope was knitted over one another using a multi bobbin spool.if you go to youtube and just type knitting bobbin spool you'll see what i mean.


 * Probably a better link and more reputable.
 * https://ancientworldsmanchester.wordpress.com/2015/07/29/dodecahedron-mystery-solved/
 * Thanks, Marasama (talk) 01:38, 27 June 2021 (UTC)

Military range finder
They are common but not too common; not everyone needed one, only those who aimed long range weapons. They are part of a weapon system, so you don't write about them, or mark them in any way that your enemy could use them if they found one on your carcass. They are each different, so the owner alone could use them, and possibly they were custom made for a particular weapon and a particular target. They are used as sites. The knobs are used to secure them to the makeshift legs of a tripod or sit on some part of your large weapon, or a rock. Being a circle, they need not be leveled. You move your head such that the smaller circle and opposing larger circle appear to be the same size. This gives you one of six standard triangles. If we knew the dimensions of the holes, we could calculate the triangles. It is easy to aim a catapult horizontally. Getting the range correct is hard. You can either attempt to change the 'spring' or keep the spring the same with the same number of turns and move the catapult. Each set of circles corresponded to a spring setting. One did not just roll up a catapult and start a war. You spied out the area to discover objects which could be used for your range finder; such as the height or length of a wall. Then when your battle began, you moved your weapons to planned positions and used the tension associated with the hole pair to accurately range. There was wax in some because they were used as candle holders incidentally because of their convenience, or by enemies who picked them up on a battlefield and didn't know what they were for. But shh, don't tell anyone. They were a military secret. -- 11:34, 28 July 2021 2601:681:4201:1860:6529:3b15:1524:f38b

old reqphoto request
There are photos on some of the linked sites, but they wouldn't be free use for Wikipedia. Someone would have to e-mail asking for permission, or go to a museum and snap some photos... AnonMoos 04:21, 25 September 2006 (UTC)
 * I've added a photo. --Itub 21:15, 22 May 2007 (UTC)

Article title
I think that dodecaeder is the German name, but in English these objects are known as "Roman dodecahedra". I will rename the article unless someone objects. --Itub 21:09, 22 May 2007 (UTC)

Its use
I just watched an episode of mysteries of the unknown & they said someone used a 3D printer to make a Dodecanese in order to understand its purpose. He realized you could use the knobs to knit & if done right it makes a glove. 143.59.22.144 (talk) 07:16, 20 April 2022 (UTC)


 * Already discussed at Talk:Roman dodecahedron/Archive 1... -- AnonMoos (talk) 20:43, 21 April 2022 (UTC)

spool
It's a spool for line used in building. Light weight for packing. Sturdy enough for when the line is rolled out or thrown from a height. A ball would keep rolling, but this has sides. 2601:280:C083:8170:ECE3:F02C:9FE7:5195 (talk) 23:21, 28 January 2023 (UTC)


 * Spools are usually cylindrical, and this is original research. AnonMoos (talk) 17:21, 29 January 2023 (UTC)

Water valve.
Looks like it could have been used to direct the flow of water. The numbs on the corners could have held in place metal plates to stop water from flowing out in certain directions. 2601:280:CA7E:4420:74BB:607D:9717:6B2A (talk) 08:52, 5 May 2023 (UTC)

New dodecahedran purpose
I propose they were used with different thickness candles for each month as nighttime clocks, mainly for Roman forts/camps. Each one would have unique sets of hole sizes relevant yo their latitude as length of night varies with date AND latitude. They were used in place of water clocks as they were it used in areas liable to freezing temperatures. Ruthe (talk) 14:40, 31 May 2023 (UTC)

Multi-tool for quickly repairing weapon shafts/taking off metal heads
https://www.quora.com/I-was-just-reading-about-a-Roman-bronze-object-dodecahedron-and-no-one-is-certain-what-it-was-used-for-Could-it-have-been-a-coin-sorter-since-ancient-coins-had-no-standard-size-The-larger-the-size-the-more-valuable/answer/Richard-Allday-1?ch=15&oid=1477743683151559&share=cd554b41&srid=3C1zZj&target_type=answer 2600:1014:B03F:920A:BD05:8FEC:C1E4:BAD4 (talk) 04:57, 6 December 2023 (UTC)

Is it more possible?
Why haven't all the academics and professionals thought that they could be just as simply an ornamental object, why does it have to be more? 86.13.231.83 (talk) 22:23, 5 January 2024 (UTC)

Surveying and rangefinding
If used with string this could be a valuable surveying device for finding level ground and running string through the holes could demonstrate relative level. This could explain the distinctive variety of hole sizes. And it would be made of precious metals if it was such an important instrument. Clearly only civic leaders and builders would have need of such a tool explaining how it is found in ancient treasuries. 173.47.14.174 (talk) 04:38, 22 January 2024 (UTC)


 * We'd need a proper source discussing this before we could include it in the wikipedia article. Nø (talk) 19:13, 24 January 2024 (UTC)

Gambling device ?
I don't suppose any coins from that era fit those holes perfectly? Maybe it was a gaming or gambling item. A person would throw it onto the floor and which ever side lay face up, the opponent of the thrower would have to pay the coin that fits the hole size? CK joiner (talk) 13:51, 5 February 2024 (UTC)


 * Or, quite possibly a coin counterfeit or sorting item held by the township ruler for when collecting taxes ? CK joiner (talk) 15:15, 5 February 2024 (UTC)
 * So, the talk page is not really for discussing theories that are not found in the reliable sources (though this one may be, I don't know!). I will say, however, that I am dubious that minting standards at the time would allow for such uses, as variations (though usually slight) were pretty common.  Cheers. Dumuzid (talk) 15:46, 5 February 2024 (UTC)
 * To continue discussing what we shouldn't, I'd say a slot (like in a slot machine) would work better for this purpose than a round hole. Nø (talk) 18:37, 5 February 2024 (UTC)

Hamiltonian Circuit Puzzle
The dodecahedron affords a hamiltonian circuit of the vertices. It seems like construction of the balls at each vertex allows for wrapping a section of cord around the object in order to create a complete circuit.

This 19th century puzzle used a similar theme.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Icosian_game Mike Koss (talk) 17:07, 9 March 2024 (UTC)


 * Graph theory as we think of it was basically unknown until the Koenigsberg bridge problem. AnonMoos (talk) 14:30, 10 March 2024 (UTC)