Background
Description
Photos
Patents
Related
References
Links

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Background

What was the purpose of these Roman dodecahedrons (Wiki)?  There are many YouTube videos offering ideas.

This 9-9.5 cm metallic replica came from Turkey by way of eBay.  I do not know how accurate a copy it is.

Description

Note that there are two large holes without any enhancements like bulls eyes or concentric circles.  They also are not circles, but more egg shaped.

Photos

Patents

Related

References

YouTube

Fran Blanche:  Enduring Mystery Of The Roman Dodecahedrons, 2026 Feb 27, 26:44 - This is the first one I watched.

0:00 Fran watched a couple of Joe Scott videos
0:52 Images of Dodecahedrons - comments on design
3:45 Found: Burial sites along with coins, Burial sites of wealthy women, military encampments
4:41 Various metals
5:50  Observations: 1. circular bulls eye decorations are common, 2. concentric circles surrounding holes, 3, sometimes gilded and painted as low cost way to add circles, 4. Knob shape is very specific and they seem to be the same size even when the Dodecahedrons are different sizes.  The shape is a hemisphere on a cone (like the top part of an ice cream cone).
8:40 The knobs are part of the function.  They are not decorative but rather a hand tool. 
9:14 The largest hole is not embellished with bulls eyes or concentric circles.  It also shows a lot of wear. 
11:37 The holes of opposite faces are different sizes so maybe it would fit on a tapered shaft and the knobs would be used with slotted leather straps.
13:42 Wax may have been used as a lubricant for force fitting to something.
14:18 Complex shape -> universal tool for something that's difficult to do.
15:15 Metal would only be used if it was needed.
16:02 Overview: knobs & strap, largest hole not decorated
17:29 Still a mystery - comments on comments

Joe Scott:  I Review Your Roman Dodecahedron Theories (With Stefan Milo!), 2026 Feb 21, 26:09;

0:00 - Intro
0:57 - Stefan Milo
2:25 - Recap
3:48 - Weaving Theories
6:15 - Candle Holder Theories
7:57 - Toy Theories
10:30 - New Theories: EileenCarroll-Weapon; Matthias Lastname-Measure rope or string; Rich Santacoloma-Stand for oil lamps; Jeff Conti-Cult status symbol; Kevin Spooner-Massage ball; Stephen Toussaint-cork screw puller; Maria Anthony-Book: Treya Meynack in the Western Air (plot device); Eric Taxier-Post-Rome Celtic status symbol calendar;
23:10 - Conclusion

Joe Scott: These Have Been Found All Across Ancient Rome (Nobody Knows Why)(Everybody had one), 2025 July, 27:43 -

Links

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