Twelve Sides of Confusion – The Norton Disney Dodecahedron

In the pantheon of archaeological oddities, few objects have inspired as much scholarly head-scratching and speculative mumbling as the Roman dodecahedron. And in 2023, Newark-on-Trent found itself unexpectedly thrust into this ancient enigma when the Norton Disney History and Archaeology Group unearthed one in a field just outside town. Because of course they did.

Discovery: Unearthed by Enthusiasts, Not Aliens

It was June 2023, and while most of the country was busy arguing about potholes and bin days, a group of local archaeologists were digging up history—literally. What they found was a 12-sided copper alloy object, roughly the size of a satsuma, and about as easy to explain. It was the first of its kind discovered in the Midlands and one of only 33 known in Britain. That’s rarer than a functioning fax machine.

The object was found in situ (in the original place), nestled beside 4th-century Roman pottery in what appeared to be a quarry pit. It was in excellent condition, which is more than can be said for most of us after a day in the Nottinghamshire sun.

Description: A Dodecahedron by Any Other Name

The Norton Disney Dodecahedron is made of 75% copper, 7% tin, and 18% lead—basically the Roman version of a mystery meat pie. Each of its twelve pentagonal faces has a circular hole in the centre, and the whole thing is cast with a level of precision that suggests either ritual significance or a very bored metallurgist.

It’s not standardised in size, shows no signs of wear, and doesn’t appear in any Roman texts. Which means it’s either a sacred object, a child’s toy, or the ancient equivalent of a paperweight that no one wanted to admit they didn’t understand.

Theories: Ritual, Religion, or Really No Idea

Scholars have proposed everything from candlestick holders to astronomical devices to knitting gauges. But the most plausible theory is that these dodecahedra were used in religious or ritual contexts—possibly linked to the mounted horseman deity discovered nearby in 1989. Because nothing says “divine power” like a twelve-holed polygon.

Of course, it could also have been a very elaborate way to lose your marbles.

Legacy: Newark’s Most Mathematical Mystery

Today, the Norton Disney Dodecahedron is proudly displayed at the National Civil War Centre in Newark, where it silently judges visitors who can’t remember their GCSE geometry (te smug little scamper). It’s also been featured on the BBC’s Digging for Britain, which is the archaeological equivalent of being knighted.