FREE PRIORITY SHIPPING: see description below
This is a precise replica of a 10.5 cm Roman dodecahedron
discovered in northwest Europe, dating to 100 - 400 AD. This 1:1 replica
was designed with detail suitable for museum use as a stand-in when the
original is removed from display for cleaning.
I have two of these, and they appear true to the originals even under close scrutiny.
This
dodecahedron is 10.5 centimeters from point to point, which makes it
among the larger of the 300+ dodecahedra ever discovered. The opposing
holes on the 12 co-planar faces are matched precisely to the original.
This accuracy makes this model suitable for researchers attempting to
ascertain the purpose of the holes, and the significance of their size,
proportionality and spacing. Theories include navigation, range-finding,
and moon-phase calculations.
The original
purpose of the Roman dodecahedron is still unknown. There are no
references to it in any literature or records of the time, and
archaeologists have proposed only theories over the centuries since the
first one was discovered. Some dodecahedra were discovered in bags of
coins, suggesting use with the sizing or sorting of money. Some have
been discovered with surveying equipment, suggesting use in
range-finding or navigation. Yet others have been found covered with
wax, suggesting something as mundane as a candle holder. Still others
have proposed a knitting tool, a sundial, an occult prop, and even a
child's toy. Ultimately, its original use is one of the true remaining
mysteries of our time, and there is significant debate in the
archaeological community.
This model is sized
and scaled precisely, and is the appropriate size where others I have
seen are too small and thus functionally useless. If your goal is
research or experimentation to determine the original use, this model
supports that effort if you cannot gain hands-on access to a museum's
original.
For an excellent, short five-minute video explaining the mystery, search "History Channel Mystery of the Roman Dodecahedron."
This
was manufactured by hand using an extremely hard and water-impervious
wax over a water-tight latticed thermoplastic and acrylic. It is
finished in a water-tight coating which provides a satisfying grip to
the fingertips, similar to the tack and grip present in the original.
If
you would like free Priority shipping and are in the continental United States, buy my other
listing (same price): item number 326147358905. I don't include it by default because a far-away buyer would be too expensive for me (I'm in Virginia).
You may return it if you are unhappy.