Background

Roman dodecahedra are mysterious hollow objects from the 2nd-4th centuries CE, found primarily in Gaul and Britain. These small bronze or stone artifacts have 12 pentagonal faces with different sized holes in each face and knobs at the vertices. Despite being discovered in various archaeological contexts including military camps, settlements, and graves, no contemporary Roman texts mention these objects or their purpose.

Over fifty theories have been proposed for their function, including:

• Astronomical or surveying instruments

• Religious or divination tools

• Candlestick holders

• Dice or gaming pieces

• Knitting tools for gloves

• Military rangefinders

• Calendar devices

• Measuring instruments for architecture

Recent discoveries, such as a dodecahedron found in a Roman military camp and another buried with a soldier, have provided new contexts but not definitive answers.

Resolution Criteria

This market resolves YES if, before March 6th, 2035:

1. A scholarly consensus emerges around a specific purpose for Roman dodecahedra, OR

2. Archaeological evidence (such as contemporary Roman documentation, depictions, or contextual finds) definitively establishes their purpose, OR

3. Experimental archaeology conclusively demonstrates their function with widespread academic acceptance.

The market resolves NO if by March 6th, 2035, the purpose of Roman dodecahedra remains debated without scholarly consensus or conclusive evidence.

Considerations

The mystery has persisted for centuries despite intensive research. The limited geographical distribution of these artifacts (primarily in northern provinces of the Roman Empire) and the complete absence of textual references make this a particularly challenging archaeological puzzle. While new archaeological techniques and discoveries continue to emerge, there is no guarantee that sufficient evidence will be found to resolve this long-standing mystery within the timeframe.