Why Did Ancient Romans Make this Baffling Metal Dodecahedron?

[BeTheGoddess]

Archeologists dug up this weird metal ball thing, I thought someone here might know a bit more about them, as apparently its not the first one found. I have no idea about what this might be used for but I have a feeling they might have a function and not be  just some ornament.

From Scientific America:

 Roman dodecahedra are something of an enigma: there is no known mention of these 12-sided, hollow objects in ancient Roman texts or images. First discovered in the 18th century, around 130 dodecahedra have been found across the Roman Empire, although it is interesting that the majority have been found in northern Europe and Britain, and none have been found in Italy.

https://www.scientificamerican.com/artic...8sfrZi8Pkd

Any ideas?

[Maxmars]

I thought I'd add a picture....
 

If none have been found in Italy, I wonder why they call them "Roman" dodecahedra?

[guyfriday]

I thought there already shown to be for knitted glove making. Also, I remember a 3-D printable model of these, but sadly can't seem to find it anymore. anyone have a clue as to where it would be?

[BeTheGoddess]

I thought there already shown to be for knitted glove making. Also, I remember a 3-D printable model of these, but sadly can't seem to find it anymore. anyone have a clue as to where it would be?

Sorta like croche? Makes sense, the 5 balls for the five digits.

[Kurokage]

Over 30 of have been found in Britain so far and all come from Roman archaeology digs with one being found recently in the Midlands, near the small village of Norton Disney in Lincolnshire. It's still unknown what these were used for and the mystery still remains.

[Encia22]

I thought there already shown to be for knitted glove making. Also, I remember a 3-D printable model of these, but sadly can't seem to find it anymore. anyone have a clue as to where it would be?

After watching this video, I'm leaning towards its function for knitting. The fact that they weren't found in Italy could simply be that the weather wasn't cold enough to necessitate gloves; whereas, in Britain or other northern Roman outposts, it would have been more "handy".



As to 3D printed models, do you mean for home printing? Like this... https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:762005

If not for knitting, my next option would be as a candle holder, with the different sized holes perfect for accommodating most sizes of candles.

 

[guyfriday]

After watching this video, I'm leaning towards its function for knitting. The fact that they weren't found in Italy could simply be that the weather wasn't cold enough to necessitate gloves; whereas, in Britain or other northern Roman outposts, it would have been more "handy".

[Video: https://youtu.be/76AvV601yJ0?si=4ykiq3IPLQGhajAj]

As to 3D printed models, do you mean for home printing? Like this... https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:762005

If not for knitting, my next option would be as a candle holder, with the different sized holes perfect for accommodating most sizes of candles.

 

It makes the most sense for this device. Also big thanks for finding that G-Code file, for some reason the times I went looking for it, I could never find it.

[NeoAstra]

When I first saw these I immediately thought they may be miniature camp stoves.
They could have placed firestart material inside, blocking off extra holes if needed with mud or clay.
The knobs add stability on the bottom, and the top is used to place your pot/pan.
I've seen romans using fire grates to cook on, maybe this was better for an individual not wanting to bring attention to themselves.
the ranging sizes however make me feel like they are more than likely used for knitting.
Who knows, cool either way, I would like to have one on my desk.