MYSTERIOUS ARTIFACT FULL

MYSTERIOUS ARTIFACT FULL

Schuermans reported his find to the Onroerend Erfgoed agency and a full investigation of the site, and the find, was conducted. He stopped scanning when his metal detector screamed, and unearthed a bronze fragment of Roman dodecahedron. On January 10, 2023, Patrick Schuermans, an experienced amateur archaeologist, was metal detecting in the Kortessem municipality of the Limburg province in Belgium. ( Flanders Heritage Agency ) A Rare Find in Flanders An Ancient Origins article explains that dodecahedra have been interpreted as “geometric sculptures, candlestick holders, dice, surveying instruments for range measuring objects on the battlefield, for estimating optimal sowing dates for winter grain, gauges to calibrate water pipes or standard army bases, staff or scepter decorations, a toy to throw and catch on a stick.”Īn example of a complete Roman dodecahedron. The primary function of the dodecahedra has never been determined but many theories and speculations exist.

While many historians believe they were important devices in Roman magic or religion, others maintain they were practical tools. Consisting of twelve pentagonal faces with circular openings, and typically with balls at the corners, the original purpose of these objects remains a mystery.

What is a Roman Dodecahedron? What was it Used for?ĭodecahedra are geometric bronze figures that were crafted during the Roman period using the lost-wax technique. An amateur Belgian archaeologist was metal detecting in the Kortessem region when he unearthed a rare piece of a mysterious Roman geometric device known as a dodecahedron.

Mysterious artifact