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Take a look at this Dodecahedra from ancient Rome. I could have used it for a photo quiz here, but that would have been too mean; no one knows for sure what it was used for! Here's what the site below has to say about it:
These fist-sized bronze Roman artifacts found in France, Switzerland and Germany pose a fascinating problem for archaeologists: they just don?t have a clear purpose, but many are covered in symbols, some undecipherable and others relating to the Zodiac. But for all the speculation on their use, including that they may have been surveying instruments, some experts believe the Roman dodecahedra were merely decorative candlesticks.
Then again it could have been used to hold flowers upright. 😮 But you're probably right that it had some more scientific basis. I wonder if there was originally something organic in the middle that has long since disappeared, something which would help us to know what it really was.
I would be willing to bet that they were everyday types of objects of veneration much like the crucifix. Perhaps they relate to some obscure Roman cult that we know very little about.
Well … it's a mystery but what about a simple piece of art ? Romans or ancestors didn't only pray, fight, cultivate or orgy all day long… or just an ordinary tool ???
Well ... it's a mystery but what about a simple piece of art ? Romans or ancestors didn't only pray, fight, cultivate or orgy all day long... or just an ordinary tool ???
I am unaware of any other kind of Roman art which was a mere geometric form (and without any figural/representational elements), so to me it would be odd if it were a piece of art. My hunch his along the lines of a tool or even a game.
Are you thinking something like a die? I have to admit that when I saw the title of the thread D&D came back to me and I pictured Romans rolling out their players before starting a marathon session of the Roman version of D&D. I am loath to admit that I played the game in High School but I will reluctantly admit that I did so although not to the extent that some people did. I always used other people's books, I spent my money on History and sci-fi books and the occasional intoxicating substance.
Yes, I was thinking of something like a die. I'm thinking that panels of some type (probably wood) could possibly have covered the open circles, held in place by those pegs. I will have to remember to keep my eyes open in the future for anything that looks like a dodecahedra in Roman paintings or reliefs.
If it is a candle holder imagine how it would look in a dark room with a candle lit, the pattern would be pretty neat.
Actually, that's an interesting idea. If a candle (more like a tea light than anything) were placed inside the object, the light would provide an interesting display on the walls and ceiling of an otherwise dark room. This would mean that the dodecahedra could have had a ritualistic function. This is speculation on my part, though.
Kinda like the first disco ball.
Good one. ;D I hadn't thought of that. I wonder what the Romans considered disco music though? ???
I was checking an intersting websit about several online exhibitions when I came across some medieval dices ! I might be wrong but those dices really look very close to the dodecahedra. I found other dices from Ancient Egypt as well, same design … http://expositions.bnf.fr/usindex.htm dices are here http://expositions.bnf.fr/jeux/arret/02.htm Egyptian dices belowSo, would that dodecahedra be just a kind of dice ? (Deluxe edition) ???
