Mysterious 12-Sided Roman Artifact Unearthed in England Leaves Archeologists Baffled

A mysterious artifact dug up in England has caused the minds of several researchers to race in different directions. The item was discovered in the Midlands and was on display in Lincolnshire. The object is dodecahedron in shape, implying that it has 12 sides, and contains multiple holes, BBC reported. Researchers believe that the object was made during the Roman era, but do not have an exact explanation regarding its identity.

The object was unearthed during an amateur dig at Norton Disney, near Lincoln, in 2023, The Independent reported. Researchers were ecstatic to find an ancient artifact at the site but were at a loss in terms of its function. 

"Despite all the research that has gone into our dodecahedron, and others like it, we are no closer to finding out exactly what it is and what it might have been used for," Mr Richard Parker, secretary of the Norton Disney History and Archaeology Group said. "The imagination races when thinking about what the Romans may have used it for. Magic, rituals, or religion - we perhaps may never know."

Experts closely analyzed the object and determined it to be one of the largest finds ever discovered in England. The dodecahedron measures about 3in (8cm) in height and weighs around half a pound (245g).

The object has now joined the collection of 33 other dodecahedrons discovered in England, The Independent reported. According to researchers, the object could date back as far as the 1st Century. Some believe Romans used them in their rituals and traditions. Despite the speculations, no clear conclusion has been drawn regarding the object.

Paul Roberts, a history aficionado from Dorset, believes that the artifact could have been used as a spaghetti measure, BBC reported. "The Romans loved spaghetti, but obviously it was just as difficult back then as it is nowadays to work out exactly how much spaghetti to cook," he explained. According to him, the tool was used to make the hard step easier for the cooks.

Architectural historian, Dr. Jonathan Foyle, is not on board with the suggestion. He stated that pasta had not become a staple meal in Italy when the Roman Empire was in power. 

James Wyman, another enthusiast, suggests that the structure could have been used for knitting, BBC reported. This is a very popular speculation amongst civilians and experts. Some people have also gone online to showcase how crocheting could be done with this device, using a plastic model of the artifact.

"It is for crocheting gloves, different holes for different finger/thumb sizes," Lauren Dolphin, another fan from Essex further explained. Foyle does not deny that crocheting can be done through the artifact, but does not think that is what the Romans used the tool for. He claims that there is no evidence of knitting in Roman culture, during the 1st Century. 

Researchers associated with the dig, plan to go back to the spot where they found the artifact, BBC reported. The volunteers are optimistic that they can collect more clues from the area, which would help experts understand the background and origin of the item.

The artifact was on display at the Lincoln Museum as part of the city’s Festival of History. Parker states that it is a 'privilege' to be allowed to handle such a valuable artifact. Alongside the dodecahedron, there were other excavated items from the city in the exhibition.