"Mystery item discovered by amateur archaeologists: A Roman enigma uncovered"
This 12-sided artefact is exceptional among only 33 similar ones found in Roman Britain and approximately 130 worldwide. Regarded as "one of archaeology's great mysteries" by the Norton Disney History and Archaeology Group (NDHAG), this priceless discovery was uncovered in June within their locality in Lincolnshire, England.
Slightly larger than most, this ancient Roman dodecahedron measures about 8 centimetres across and is empty with twelve varied-sized openings. The Lincoln Museum showcases this nostalgic gem from May 4-early September, ecstatically welcoming it as if it has returned home.
The Exhibitions and Interpretations Manager at the museum, Andrea Martin, conveyed, "It's a delight to have the Norton Disney dodecahedron with us in our museum... mere steps away from where it was found.", emphasising the celebratory timing coinciding with the Lincoln Festival of History.
The museum's description showcases it as "one of the largest examples" discovered. But despite its magnitude, the Romans' true usage remains unknown.
"It's completely unique," said Richard Parker, Secretary of NDHAG, emphasising its rarity. He mentioned no comparable objects have been discovered. Even more intriguing is its preserved state - untouched with no sign of wear, which implies it's not just a tool.
Parker relayed there aren't any Roman texts describing the dodecahedron or visual representations in mosaics.
Adding to the mystery, not all dodecahedra are the same size - implying they weren't used for measuring. It's also unlike other dodecahedra as it's undamaged.
Believing it had religious or ritualistic value, Parker suggested, "It's quite likely they were of some form of religious or ritualistic use". Moreover, the unique artefact was discovered in proximity to a small mounted rider god figurine, known for its strong religious association. Usually found on temple sites, this relic is perceived as a sign of divine presence, hinting at the divine significance of the enigma.
NDHAG hopes to revisit the excavation site later this year, hoping to gather more information to comprehend the actual usage of the area.
Alluding to the uniqueness of the dodecahedron, Parker expressed optimism: "It's a quite complex story to tell that we're just starting to untangle."
Parker explained, "Many of the ones found 200 or 300 years ago had no context to where they were found.", reinforcing the importance of the artefact being recently excavated and the potential to solve its mystery.
Juxtaposing its discovery, he said, "So far, this is one of the more exciting periods in our history group's existence."
Read also:
Source: edition.cnn.com
