Amateur archaeologists have discovered a spectacular Roman dodecahedron in the tranquil countryside of Norton Disney, England, a mysterious class of objects that have baffled experts for centuries. A volunteer from the Norton Disney History and Archeology Group discovered the dodecahedron in the village of Norton Disney in Lincolnshire.

The object’s purpose is unknown to modern archaeologists, as the 12-sided metal shell has no markings and is not mentioned in modern literature. Approximately thirty-two examples are known to exist, in whole or in part, from Roman Britain. There are currently 33 Norton Disney examples, and approximately 130 examples are known in the Roman world. It is located in the northwestern Roman provinces.

Norton Disney’s Dodecahedron is an extremely fine example and the only one in the Midlands. Beautifully made, sturdy and in excellent condition. It exhibits excellent workmanship and a unique surface quality. This is a prime example of work expertly executed and beautifully completed.

Richard Parker, secretary of the Norton Disney History and Archeology Group, said they unearthed the grapefruit-sized object in one of the trenches the group dug in the area for a two-week excavation, about 35 miles southeast of Sheffield.

Norton Disney’s dodecahedron is a copper alloy object. 75% copper, 7% tin and 18% lead. Its total height is 8 cm, its total width is 8.6 cm and its weight is 254 g.

This is also an important find because it was found “in situ” about 1,700 years ago, where it had been deliberately placed in a type of dug pit or pit along with 4th-century Roman pottery.

The purpose of the dodecahedrons is still very unclear, as no description of them is found in Roman literature. There will be no gauge as they are not standard sizes. They are not tools because they show no wear. Also, they are not knitting machines. Creating the dodecahedron required a lot of time, effort and skill, so it was not used for everyday work, especially since there were other materials that could perform the same function. Ritual and religious use is believed to be the most likely use.

The magnificent metal projectile is currently on display at the National Civil War Center at the Newark Museum.