Dodecahedron article. Does anyone have any ideas what it is?

[Dafydd]

It was surprising to read an editorial comment in todays "Sunday Times" newspaper about a Dodecahedron.

Does anyone have any ideas what it is?

See;

[Curtis JJ]

Coin sorter, of course! Actually, no strong opinion (though Wikipedia does mention some have been found in coin hoards).

I liked the idea of the surveying instrument for measuring distances (something about perspective and size of the holes when you look through them). But it seems that hypothesis hasn't caught on.

I saw the headlines about a newly found one in Britain but haven't read any more about it. I'm sure that metal detectorist was thrilled!

These sure are weird and interesting

Edited January 21 by Curtis JJ

[John Conduitt]

None of the theories really make sense of it. They're not all the same, the holes aren't consistent, they're found right across Gallo-Roman territory. They can't just be decorative but show no signs of wear. The number of sides and all those big knobs must be relevant...but then what's an icosahedron for?

Edited January 21 by John Conduitt

[Dwarf]

I favour the scientific theory of being an ancient spool knitting
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spool_knitting

Just because it is as stupid a theory as any other one

regards
Klaus

 

 

[Theoderic]

Anytime I see the word dodecahedron (and how seldom is that?) I always think of the old Simpsons episode where Lisa is trying to teach little sister Maggie her first word:

 

 

[Curtis JJ]

Oh, also I just remembered I have one! But it's one of the really small ones: 12mm, 5.92g.

According to "mainstream scholars" like Hendin (GBC2, W-24) or Goodwin (2012) this would be a so-called "scale weight" from the Byzantine/Islamic-period Levant.

BUT... as an avid watcher of History Channel, I've learned to challenge Big Archaeology and trust my gut when it comes to wild theories and supposition about antiquity...

"Researchers theorize that this object could in fact be a child's miniature Dodecahedron toy model. What if this tiny child's toy is the key to re-discovering the lost ancient knowledge about extraterrestrial civilizations?

"Did Roman children place toy Dodecahedrons atop tiny models of the Great Pyramid of Giza? And pretend to communicate with the gods? Who were, in fact, flesh-and-blood interstellar visitors?"

I'm more skeptical of the theory that this actually was a full-sized Dodecahedron but used by very tiny people. 

[John Conduitt]

1 hour ago, Theoderic said:

Anytime I see the word dodecahedron (and how seldom is that?) I always think of the old Simpsons episode where Lisa is trying to teach little sister Maggie her first word:

 

 

My son was into dinosaurs when learning to speak so I tried to get him to name them. It was interesting having a two year old going around saying parasaurolophus.

[Dafydd]

Here is the continuum from last weeks Times editorial.

The first respondents suggestion is so practical and likely, insofar that fire would be revered to keep you alive, gets my vote.

[Dafydd]

As an aside, forensic examination may prove carbonisation proving, or disproving his theory. That is the first thing I would do.

Scent would be long gone.

[John Conduitt]

8 minutes ago, Dafydd said:

As an aside, forensic examination may prove carbonisation proving, or disproving his theory. That is the first thing I would do.

Scent would be long gone.

Yes if it was a firelighter, you’d have left it in the fire. You wouldn’t want to touch a metal cage with burning straw inside. It would then at least be scorched, if not melted.

[Al Kowsky]

One gemstone that is commonly seen in the natural form of a dodecahedron is the garnet, like the grossular garnet pictured below from Mexico 😲.

Edited January 28 by Al Kowsky

[Edessa]

For all of you serious minded scholars that might have missed this...

 

[Dafydd]

20 hours ago, Edessa said:

For all of you serious minded scholars that might have missed this...

 

Well spotted !!

What have the Roman's done for us?

 

[Silbannacus]

Showed up for the coins. Signed up because of this thread.

[Dafydd]

Welcome @Silbannacus you will find we are an eclectic bunch and I have found members really helpful and erudite when I ask for assistance