Dodecahedra not of Roman origin, but Celtic origin instead

[guy]

 

There have been (possibly an excessive number of) earlier posts about the enigmatic ancient dodecahedron (see below).

Roman dodecahedra have puzzled archaeologists since 1739, when the first 12-sided bronze artifact was found in the English Midlands. Over nearly three hundred years, both experts and enthusiasts have proposed numerous theories about why these objects were valued, but their true purpose remains unconfirmed.

One perplexing issue is that dodecahedra were found outside the Italian peninsula, mostly in Celtic regions of the Empire.

 

The video below argues that these dodecahedra were of Celtic origin rather than Roman origin.

 

There have been at least 116 dodecahedra found in the Roman Empire: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. None has been in the Roman heartland in Italy. They are always found north of the Alps.

 

Bronze dodecahedra are primarily found in Celtic regions rather than in Italy, suggesting they were probably not created by the Romans. Supporters note that about 120 examples have been uncovered in areas historically inhabited by Celtic peoples, and none have been found in Italy, even though they are called “Roman.”

Supporters argue that this geographic pattern indicates a local Celtic tradition instead of a Roman import. They also highlight that the objects’ consistent geometric design—comprising twelve pentagonal faces with knobs—displays variations in decorative details. Some interpret this as evidence of regional Celtic artistic styles rather than standardized Roman manufacturing.

A related argument highlights the lack of Roman documentation. No Roman texts, inscriptions, or depictions clarify their purpose, which is unusual for Roman tools or ritual items. This absence of evidence suggests that Romans may not have been the original creators but possibly encountered, adopted, or coexisted with an artifact of Celtic origin.

Modern proponents, including independent researchers, frame the Celtic-origin hypothesis as more consistent with the archaeological context, suggesting that the objects may have served ritual, astronomical, or measurement functions within Celtic societies.

 

At 13:20 in the video below, a medieval manuscript is mentioned that might contain information about the dodecahedra.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited February 6 by guy

[guidoLaMoto]

I recently saw a YouTube film claiming they were used to map the stars by viewing thru the holes on the flat faces (reminiscent of the Roman augur's use of the lituus?)....clearly incorrect given that many of the discovered items don't have those holes.

You gotta admire the skills involved in the casting and artwork on those things.

I wonder what future archaeologists will speculate about the purpose of the Lava Lamps they discover?