Making A Bronze Roman Dodecahedron

[@cindylundgren1924]

I love this video and all the work you put into your bronze! Then ... a surprise and shocking ending!

[@mevk1]

Slap him silly -🙂

[@NotMyActualName_]

Saw an interesting take on this recently where these could be used for making braided gold chains that match historical museum pieces from the era.

[@Dilbert-o5k]

Same here, very interesting video. It would depend on opposing holes being the same size to put the dowels in. Even if that were not the case it would still work but the quality control (chain thickness) would be more difficult.

[@I_am_Spartacus]

Its the most obvious use for them... people just can't handle that they aren't some alien artifact to summon ufos with... you can make ropes of all sizes with them too.. they are multi purposed... the fact they are so many just proves they are functional not decorative.

[@crowznest438]

She really showed good examples of how it works to make the jewelry and also pointed out the non-Roman origins.

[@GudasWorld_2]

videos back 10+ years on how to use those...... Only "mystery" is how ppl don't know.........

[@theamazingleonardo1869]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nonFgaquoqejnqc multi-purpose ancient situation

[@JohnJones-oy3md]

Since these were found in coin hoards, I wonder if the sizes of the holes match the diameter of coins of the time. Maybe a way to detect clipped coinage?

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

They’ve theorized that they were a measuring device of some kind. But they aren’t uniform at all so it’s hard to say they were actually a measuring device. They ranged from 4cm to 11cm with all different sized holes.

[@antiprismatic]

I guess if you put some coins through it you could prove it.

[@terrybouffard6165]

People are using them to knit fingers for gloves. Look it up. Works well.

[@frontenac5083]

Nope.

[@-C.S.R]

Most of them are the size of golf balls

[@benjaminzedrine]

Stationary. Desk object. Used to easily tighten parchment scrolls then tie off for use by carrier pigeons. Send me one, and I'll show you how and explain why.

[@Chris.Davies]

Nope. It's a jig for making gold wire chain of different diameters. Proven recently by way of demonstration.

[@Davidbirdman101]

Man that was a great video. I wish I could go back in time and try my hand at what you're doing. Looks fascinating.

[@Plinkster]

Lol, that was great. I was thinking you should bury it for someone to find later… and you did. That was awesome lol. Great video.

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

Haha thanks. Was there a show on these or something? I hadn’t gotten any comments on this video for weeks and then I just got 2 comments back to back?

[@PublicRecordsGeek]

It's for knitting gloves. The sizes of the holes and their positions and experimenting have proven out the technique.

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

That’s one theory however there is no documentation or historical evidence to verify it.

[@jefflarson1652]

The nubs are all the same distance apart from each other. Why have more than 5? The different size holes don't make any difference to the size of the fingers being knitted. The distance of the nubs determines that. Also, would seem to be an expensive item for use as knitting tool.

[@WeBeGood06]

@@jefflarson1652 Watch someone knit with them, no knitting needles required. Although, this device may have inspired knitting needles.

[@NotMyActualName_]

Knitting literally hadn't been invented yet when these were made. And you can only make fingers out of them. A much better use is for making rope cordage or gold/silver chains.

[@RosssRoyce]

Beautiful! I have a feeling that the purpose of the knobs is to lift the piece from a flat surface when sitting on one of its flat sides.

[@dianabenobo]

Have you replicated a whorl? ... a drop spindle whorl? ... a high tech drop spindle whorl designed to function with a set of 6 tapered spindles for drafting 6 different weights of thread from a distaff holding a mass of unspun fibers? The whorl adds a stabilizing weight to the spindle and the spherical array of rounded nubs add a smooth tread for rolling the dangling whorl between the solitary weaver's hand and thigh, or between the hands of an assistant.

[@barabbasrosebud9282]

Logical, as spinning a dodecahedron produces a spinor.

[@mattyal9347]

Nice pour and I love the narrative

[@hj-clone]

I could hardly believe seeing this! I currently have one shelled up in investment, identical but slightly larger.Used sheet wax instead of 3DP. Waiting to cast a few things the same day. the sprue and vents were very tricky, I'm also hesitaing since it may not work. I guess I thought I was the only one trying to make what you have succeeded in nicely. Obviously NOT for making gloves, as they pre-date knitting by 100's of years, and the nubs are all the same each side. You keep impressing me, Sir!

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

😆 that’s great! Ever time I make something like this I’m just amazed at how many he ancient people got it done. And better than I can.

[@WeBeGood06]

Obviously FOR making gloves, the method may pre-date knitting, or may be the earliest form of knitting. Found in Northern Europe, but not Italy. I guess you only need gloves where it's cold.

[@peaoat3608]

Probably for a game of sorts (like dice?). They could have been inserting spheres that would go only through certain holes. If someone spins the "dice" and manages to get the ball out through the hole, wins (loses?). Speculations are fun. I'm surprised that one hasn't come up.

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

I think that’s as good of theory as any!

[@webinatic216]

The dice theory was like the first theory they had about them things.

[@qarljohnson4971]

The best hypothesis I've heard about what the Roman dodecadrons are, is they are for creating coded communications. The holes indicate what specific coding wheel would fit (12 wheels). Each coding wheel would have 25 characters in a circle, with 5 characters between each knob. After each word is decoded, the dial would be turned five characters over. Just have to find the dials. As the rest of the Roman military used nautical communication around the Mediterranean, the northern Europe forces used horse riders who were more vulnerable to interception than naval vessels.

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

Could be!

[@UpNorthOfThe49th]

It reminds me of the ball for different size yarn or cloth or rope we used as a child to make rugs of all types. Different size holes made for using different types of materials to make a long rope for rugs. The little buttons are perfect for what we used to use such as nails to help loop the yarn or such into making the weave for the rope of the rugs.

[@Youtuber-k2p]

Exactly.

[@josiahbandy1468]

I have a question about the lost wax casting process. Would it be possible for wax residue to remain on the bronze after completion? In my limited experience with casting bronze, I have found no wax residue. I’m working on another theory of what this artifact may have been used for and wanted to get an answer from someone with extensive experience casting bronze.

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

No, all wax would be burned away.

[@Christine.corneille]

Should it be a solaror lunar calendar ?

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

Could be?

[@doglover31418]

Romans used glass unguent bottles. Some have round bottoms and wouldn't stand on a table top. I think you just put your bottle in this stand while you do your toilette. That explains the different size holes in each face; they're for different size bottles.

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

That’s an interesting idea. I haven’t heard that one yet.

[@isleofyew1]

A conversation piece, proof of casting skill and artistry. A luxury item without practical use?

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

Could be, 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@william2220]

Hilarious ending Lucas!! I love your humor, and the informative journey along the way. I look forward to my fist casting... My guess for the original use of the "holed variety" was to give value to other nations coins. Ancient coins were quite small just like the holes in the dodecahedron which might have been useful for travelling traders, but the silver/gold value would never-the-less translate across nations borders.

[@LegIIAVGCA]

I have one in metal… $65 from Bulgaria. It “tings” nicely if hit with metal and slight different should when rotated… so a musical toy? Or a gaming piece… you have lines around holes, Zero, 1, 2 and 3 lines. Romans loved gambling!! I show this off at Roman reeneactments but I get 1000 different guesses.

[@willempasterkamp862]

for tinkering and fiddling, modern hobby ones have a hollow wooden mushroom shape with 5 crams on top for exact the same purpose : braiding, knitting all kind of threads, leather ropes or even soft metal wires.

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

Some types could have that function but some dodecahedron would not work more those tasks so it deepens the mystery.

[@frictionhitch]

They are tent supports. 6 makes 2 gable walls held in tension with rope. You can spin it to accommodate different sized sticks to form the gable walls of the tent.

[@frictionhitch]

They go in the corners of the gable walls.

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

Never heard that theory before.

[@frictionhitch]

@@lundgrenbronzestudios It will work. Give it a try. You will need 6 dodecahedrons, 10 sticks, some rope, and at least 4 wooden stakes. A rope should run from the top chord at the apex of the tent and 1 each on the sides. The front and back(Gable ends of the tent) can be staked with 2 wooden stakes. Once the structure is up you can dress it with the fabric of your choosing. This makes sense because they were largely found at military camps and you wouldn't need to transport wooden posts but would still have a "quick set tent".

[@LegIIAVGCA]

Tents way to much weight and these (I have a medium size metal one) not that strong!

[@frictionhitch]

@LegIIAVGCA you're wrong because you don't understand how ropes work. These were held in tension. It is why they have those little nodules on them. It was to fit a rope around it and keep it from coming off. You're kind of dumb if in 2024 you are carrying around tent poles. The Romans weren't that dumb which is why they carry it around a handful of these Bali things in their pocket. Rope always useful have to bring that anyway. Tarp yep that's the roof got to bring that. Tent pole no! What do you think I'm dumb? Why would I drag that all the way from Rome? Cuz it's quick well it's pretty heavy and long and cumbersome. So instead I just put these little Bali things in there and I tie a knot and I put the whole thing under tension like the Golden gate bridge you idiot! I have a 10 there's no way that tension would hold it up f*** you you dumb motherfuker. I am so sick and tired of you dumb motherfukers existing on this planet. We live in Idiocracy and you are the f****** idiot idiot

[@josmond3504]

Is for map reading distance, the knob is placed on the map then rolled to the next point and so forth and so on, and this is the way.

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

Maybe but there mights be simpler to says to measure a map.

[@floridasurffishingjcaprice3077]

These mysterious objects could have been used as a 6 way corner support for temporary shelters. The nubs would provide a secure lashing point. Easy to assemble and easy to break down.

[@GrumpyDragon_aka_LjL]

It’s for knitting stuff. I thought that had been settled. There are even KZbin Vids on them being used.

[@ginojaco]

Good ending, I too have left 'things' that I hope future archaeologists will find, some with very subtle clues of their true nature others without. 🙂

[@scottnunnemaker5209]

Do they make a sound if you throw them? Or like if you attach a rope and spin it?

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

I don’t believe so.

[@scottnunnemaker5209]

@@lundgrenbronzestudios has anyone tried?

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

@@scottnunnemaker5209 well when I threw mine at the end of the video it did not make a sound.

[@scottnunnemaker5209]

@@lundgrenbronzestudios I’m gonna make one and play around with it

[@nworgan420]

How would they have made the decretive circles and some of the patterns around the holes? Would it have all been cast or would details marked in afterwards?

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

All the details would have been sculpted into wax and then cast. It would take a very skilled craftsman.

[@POEMS466]

Most of these were found in or around Roman military bases, outposts or camps. There is some speculation that they were used with wood & card stock code wheels to code and decode messages and orders. However, some of these don't have holes in them to hold a peg for such code wheels. Which suggests that they served more than one function or that no one really knows what purpose the really served.

[@daneast]

This needs more views! Searching for Roman Dodecahedron and this was the first video Google showed.

[@JohnSmith-vy4lh]

They are not Roman, they were made by the Celts.

[@Chris.Davies]

Nope, we now know exactly and precisely what these things are. They are jigs used to create gold wire chain of different thickness, which is decided by which hole you use to pull the almost-finished wire chain tight through. Have a search on YT for the lovely lady who demonstrates exactly how they were used, and what kind of chain they produced. MYSTERY SOLVED 100%.

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

I’m sure the lady is very lovely. And has found a great use for them. But unless there is some kind of documentation or evidence from the ancient world you can only have a theory of its use.

[@stephenrobb8759]

​@lundgrenbronzestudios ... when, in fact, the device is shown in use. It is no longer theory. The item has been proven to be a knitting tool. Advance your knowledge. To people who understand knitting tools -- there is no doubt remaining. The tool does the job smoothly and efficiently.

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

@@stephenrobb8759 there are many arguments against that theory as well.

[@Delchursing]

As I understand many were found containing remnants of wax.

[@sdrc92126]

I think they are used for making arrow shafts

[@beingaware8542]

Military ciphers. All found near Roman military bases. Different Wheels, that had letters, had different codes. The wheels had pegs of different sizes to correspond to the dodecahedron holes. Sender and receivers of encrypted messages matched up the correct size holes to decipher the code. First enigma machine basically. Only the metal lasted the eons.

[@apennameandthata2017]

NO. Because you dont need the dodecahedron at all to do that. Just press the axle into wax

[@richardallday7387]

The Gallo-Roman dod was used by Roman troop arms merchants (Negotiatores), to measure, procure & for maintainence of the Auxiliary troop polearm weapon (wood) shafts. It measures the diameter of the mid shaft (in some instances), the taper of the shaft near the join at the weapon head socket, and the taper of the shaft, that resides inside the head socket. If you are an archeologist or history researcher, & need more info, let me know.

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

I’m just a bronze smith who thought it was a very interesting thing they use to make.

[@richardallday7387]

Good job on that spider casting!@@lundgrenbronzestudios

[@steve6375]

So why are there no numbers or markings on any of them?

[@richardallday7387]

@@steve6375 Thx for your question. I'm not sure, other than I believe it's a military/merchant interface tool that doesn't need to advertise its use (and never would). Many of my tools have no marks or numbers on them. I see each dod as a spec key for a specific auxiliary troop in a garrison or area; all (or important) specs of the polearm (that are important to that arms officer/commander) were encoded on this multi-purpose tool. JMO

[@_Hold_My_Beer_]

Its a candle holder, allows for different sized candles as there was no EU standards in those days - candle sizes varied from candlemaker to candlemaker, town to town. Even fill it with wax - put a wick in it for more or less light.. Solved.

[@mikev4621]

I think this is one explanation. Very important not to start house fires with unsupported candles , or candles in holes too big to hold them up straight

[@steve6375]

That's what I think too. They have not been found in Italy, Spain, Greece or Africa because they had olive oil for oil lamps in those countries. What I would like to know is what are the sizes of the holes that are opposite each other. If a candle is dropped in from the top, then the bottom hole should be slightly smaller than the top hole for each possible position. Is this the case?

[@_Hold_My_Beer_]

@@steve6375 - they prob just used the hole slightly smaller than the candle base - wiggled it in and used wax melted to hold it on place? - when completely burned it fell into the centre and went out...

[@steve6375]

​@@_Hold_My_Beer_The candles would have been made by dipping wicks into hot wax repeatedly. They would be slightly conical in shape.

[@mikev4621]

@@steve6375 Afaik all the holes were of different sizes on most of them. The best theory I've seen is that they are a military code disc reading device.There is a video demonstrating this. Occasional use as a candle stand is very likely as well.

[@palokros3752]

Not a mystery - going along the edges, we have to traverse the vertices of the dodecahedron so that we pass through each vertex only once returning to the vertex we departed. All peaks must be touched. The traversal of the vertices in the Roman logic game can be guided using a piece of thread, fixing it to the small spheres at the vertices of the dodecahedron to mark the path. (kind of Ancient Rubik's Cube, a logical game of the Romans). Hamilton-path, Graph Theory, Discrete Mathematics. Naturally, the design cast in bronze was a luxury item, common version was carved in wood and a nail driven into each vertex guiding the thread.

[@josuelservin]

Do you have a source for that info? I have been rewatching this objects for a while and all I have found is pure speculation, so if you have any lead it will be really helpful, thanks!

[@ginojaco]

A very good theory that many have suggested over the years... but we need EVIDENCE to back it up, and so far there is none. Doesn't mean it isn't correct, but until hard fact supports it, it must remain just a theory.

[@mikev4621]

But why the holes? and why are they different sizes?

[@ep7503]

Solution : kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHOnmKB7aMljl9ksi=vmVn3vBN1frIGPqV

[@kingmasterlord]

it's for knitting glove fingers

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

That’s a theory but no documentation to confirm it.

[@frontenac5083]

It's for knitting your mom, dolt.

[@zackakai5173]

It's not. These predate the first known mention of knitting by over a millennium, and we've found very similar objects without holes in them. Not to mention that there are designs which are far easier to make and achieve the same basic functionality.

[@kingmasterlord]

@@zackakai5173 if I bait enough of you someone that knows will come along.

[@geirmyrvagnes8718]

@@kingmasterlord That only works if somebody actually knows. 😆

[@RogerMondo]

Regarding the Roman Dodecahedron, the proposed purpose that I like most is “Candle Holder”. -The holes fit various sizes of candles, since there was no standardized manufacturing -Heavy and stable - very important with a burning candle -Will not catch fire when candle burns down -Rings on each face catch dripping wax (which was found on some of them) -The ball feet keep it stable on irregular surfaces -The Dodecahedron are found in the northern parts of the Roman Empire where winter nights are longer and candles were more necessary and valuable.

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

☀️

[@JohnJones-oy3md]

8:46 - I see a surprised face. 😮

[@FranzBiscuit]

Use of the dodecahedron was described by ancient Roman scribes. They were used in times of war to hold coding-wheel plate and spindle which fit over the nubs. A random, rolling Caesar cipher allowed the generals to send and receive coded messages and then the device was used as a wax-stamping mechanism to seal the message. They fell out of use (and eventually from memory) after the fall of the Roman Empire during the so-called "Dark Ages". (Meaning even the famous King Arthur likely had and used one. He was after all a descendant of Roman governors and like his father, who had himself been the leader of the local legion of men that protected the Romans and Gauls of Brittania, would have had great use for such a device. Note: For over 50 years this "Arto the Bear" fought the Picts and Saxons practically nonstop, so it probably isn't unreasonable to infer as much!)

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

Interesting

[@Alex-rr7qc]

I wonder if an experienced OSINTer would be able to geolocate that place so I could have my own bronze Roman Dodecahedron replica haha. Good job, sir!

[@red_ford23]

They are for crocheting gloves, right?

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

That is one theory but you could use a piece of wood with a hole in it to accomplish the same effect so people argue they would make something so elaborate and expensive for such a simple purpose. But who knows.

[@frontenac5083]

Nope.

[@gretchenchristophel1169]

These were found mostly in the northern climes of the Roman Empire. There are several YT videos showing these used as a type of loom to weave gloves each hole corresponds to fingers and thumb. Given the ingenuity of the Romans, these probably were also used for weaving ropes, braids, etc. Nice work, BTW, making your own...wish you had kept it, and try to weave with it.

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

Modern people have used it for weaving but there is no evidence that it was used for that originally. It’s possible but it’s also possible that weaving is a repurposing.

[@MarkSpiro-h9g]

What about coin tubes....coin belts...like we use paper tubes for coin rolls. It would make sense that they would be with pay masters?

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

Possibly but I don’t believe the holes of all the specimens found are the same size.

[@LegIIAVGCA]

Roman coins in 3rd and 4th century come in different sized but more uniform than 1st century. I have many real coins but they sort of jam up going in and hard to get out.

[@theguyfromsaturn]

It's better to call them "Roman Era Dodecahedra" as they apparently were not roman, but more likely celtic.

[@Travelin2Wit]

GReat video and good casting....!

[@eileenfb1948]

It can be used to make a copper chain, jewellery. The holes were different sizes for feeding the chain through to make it narrower each time. I made such a chain without the dodecahedron so I know what she was doing on the video I watched. Also someone used it in the style of childhood French knitting. A hole for each finger and two ovals, one for each hand. 12 holes in total.

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

Some dodecahedron don’t have holes like this one though so it get confusing you more examples you look at.

[@PhilFake-ew7wk]

I feel it could be a gambling game. Stuff it with coins. Toss or roll it. The winner gets what falls out. But I still think candle holder is most likely.

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

Maybe so.

[@Gregorovitch144]

A very cool video, well done. Of course there are a small number of "cheats" involved here - I'm no expert but I'd wager a reasonably tidy sum the Romans didn't have 3D printers, plastic or power tools, but no matter the video makes clear there is both a lot of skill and a lot of work involved in making this thing even with modern tools. As to what this thing was for why not ask the question "Why did Lungdron make this thing?" Well, probably to prove to himself, and to others, that he could. A test of skill in his craft. One might easily imagine a Roman metal craftsman in 400AD noticing a competitor in another town on a visit who had one of these things sitting prominently on a plinth in his shop window. It says "Hey guys, if I can make this you can be sure I can make anything you want to the best possible quality and precision!". So the dude goes home and tries to make one himself for his shop window. So there you have it, another hypothesis for the origins of this mysterious object: it's basically an advertisement that gradually became a meme in Roman metal crafting circles around 300-400AD.

[@henrikstenlund5385]

I think it was for games, a kind of dice. It must have had some symbols on each side

[@aurorahall8126]

Can I get the 3 d model file you found?

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

I don’t remember which file I used but I got it free on thingaverse. There were multiple files to pick from.

[@Stratigic_Cheese_Reserve]

The theory that they were for kitting gloves makes most sense to me. why else have those knobs?

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

The problem with that is some have no holes. And the same concept could be accomplished with a simple hole and knobs in a piece of wood. The fact that such a piece was so expensive and time consuming to make is a negative for the knitting theory. But who knows.

[@frontenac5083]

AIRHEAD

[@PaulsGarage]

As a former archaeologist, I appreciate the final resting place. I once thought I wanted to be buried with a collection of stone tools and an ipod, just to confuse a future archaeology student.

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

😆

[@rodneyc.garcia7163]

How can I get one of these

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

I should make a few to sell I’ve had others ask as well.

[@DeltaNovum]

It's a device that was used mostly by businessmen to sort large amounts of objects, for trading purposes. Mostly for coins. It was made of metal by craftsmen and rings or other markings where added to make cheating harder. You'd plug the holes, fill it up and then open the smaller holes first. The nubs where added so it could be held more easily or roll them while leaving enough room so the coins could still fall out.

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

Interesting theory.

[@DeltaNovum]

@@lundgrenbronzestudios I thought about it for a bit, and it was the only thing that would truly make sense to me tbh. Or maybe I'm what you would call a time traveller, and I've seen these things being used as ubiquitously as poop scrubbers. Who knows 🤷.

[@crowznest438]

Guessing that carving these in wax meant they were made of 12 flat pentagons with holes of different sizes cut out using a template and then the pieces put together with more wax? Yours turned out beautifully.

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

That’s likely how they made them yes.

[@Mistertbones]

That came out real nice.

[@stephenrobb8759]

Totally a knitting tool. It forms various sizes of knitted tubes.

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

I mean you do realize they have found these dodecahedron with no holes in them big enough to put a finger in right? That would kind of immediately squash the knitting theory. And they are many other augments against that theory. So I think a much more reasonable response is that no one actually knows.

[@jonviol]

@@lundgrenbronzestudios A much much more reasonable response is to humbly listen to the work of Matt Geevan .

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

@@jonviol yeah he has a very interesting Theory.

[@-Liska]

The end has the vibe of a trickster deity who got robbed of their powers and decided to get some down to earth hobbies and use those to make do.

[@jsprunger6246]

I'm gonna go look for it

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

😆 I should make a scavenger hunt!

[@jsprunger6246]

@@lundgrenbronzestudios You already did-

[@diapysik]

Yo I found this channel because I wanted to grow a stalagmite, this some underrated shit hope you pop off pal. I'm gonna start a cave sculpture soon hopefully, subbed and take care.

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

Good luck! My cave sculpture started leaking and I have to remake it or fix it up. I haven’t got around to it yet.

[@mevk1]

Found maybe the best tutorial on lost wax investment casting? Paul Hamler's video in titled "Investment Casting or lost wax casting demonstrated". He mass produces hundreds of intricate metal parts. Not sure if youtube will delete link to another youtube channel or not but here goes anyhow: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmfXY5JofpenkM0

[@larsn97]

The video is pretty awesome. I am thinking of making one myself. Might I ask where you found the STL you used? After looking on thingiverse I found many Roman Dodecahedron, but no file with both separate nubs and rings around the holes. ^c^

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

I got my file from Thingaverse. The whole file is called 3515501_Roman_Contemporary_Multimaterial_Dodecahedron

[@larsn97]

@@lundgrenbronzestudios Thank you

[@InfiniteLoop]

it is for Knitting, there is a video from 10 years ago where a lady shows how to make fingers for gloves using them.

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

There are examples of these dodecahedron without holes big enough for finger holes so that would indicate another purpose for them.

[@felixbose7731]

Very impressive.

[@Davy.J.Y]

Used for knitting gloves.

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

That’s one theory.

[@kytauk1]

LMAO great vid, I do love your attitude, great idea to leave it for the future metal detectorist to find, :)

[@mumbo1956]

Nice! Love the nubs and that you left it confuse the future!

[@ashharris7293]

Some have commented that knitting gloves, that is possible. The most convincing thing I've seen is using them to make gold necklace chains. If you see someone do this in demo, they use all the holes and the result is exactly like some of the ancient gold weave chains that have been found.

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

I like that idea. Would make more sense than a knitting tool.

[@EattinThurs61]

very nice work!

[@damnthegrifters7313]

Now that Matt.Geevan has discovered what they were used for, I'd like to buy one. How much would you sell one?

[@jamesgriffith1008]

I thought the main theory was for knitting gloves, since it works very well for that purpose, and possibly more importantly, they've only been found in northern Europe. All of the other proposed uses would have been just as important all around the Roman empire; religious, astronomical, economical, or social, would still be relevant. And it'd make sense there isn't anything documenting it, the tools of specialized work usually aren't preserved in writing or art, they're passed from master to apprentice. There was another case I remember hearing of these strange polished bone pieces "used for religious or ceremonial purposes" and then a leather worker went, "hey, I use one, and mine is still made of bone too cuz it works better than wood, metal, or plastic"

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

That is a common theory but the same effect could have been accomplished with a hole in a piece of wood so to make such an elaborate piece for a relatively simple task is problematic. Also the fact that they were buried with people and hidden in coin hordes implied they were more valuable than an ordinary tool. But who knows.

[@jamesgriffith1008]

@@lundgrenbronzestudios fair enough. Good work on the casting, looks like you've got the quirks of lost PLA pretty well ironed out. I did notice you had a pretty massive brim on the print though, and some stringing. For ABS, I use a brim, but I've found PLA does just fine without it when you dial in the spacing of the first layer, and it makes the cleanup a whole lot easier (no more cutting the edges with a utility knife). Stringing can be caused by incorrect temps, so if you haven't already, find a temp tower. It's a prescliced gcode that prints different sections at different temperatures. If it strings on all layers of the temp tower, it's probably an issue with retraction, and that gets a bit trickier, because the solutions can be printer specific.

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

Thanks for the tip. I’ve been wondering if I really need the brim. It would be easier without it for sure.

[@jamesgriffith1008]

@@lundgrenbronzestudios it's useful to prevent warping and increase adhesion to the bed, but PLA doesn't warp much, and sticks just fine most of the time. There are times on large prints it's a good precaution, better to have a little extra work cleaning than risk a 500 gram print failing, but for little stuff like this, it's more trouble than it's worth

[@KristinMoran]

​@@lundgrenbronzestudiosI've watched a video series where a woman knitted a glove using a 3d printed dodecahedron. She was able to connect all the fingers to the palm just by wrapping around the various nubs. Did a few rounds, then added the thumb in the same way.

[@michael-1680]

OK, I absolutely LOVE this, because I have been contemplating making a dodecahedron, myself. Mainly because I know I will never be rich enough to own a real one. I had planned to build it out of wax plates, and then cast it by centrifugal force, because I don't have the foundry setup yet, but it's the same idea. Of course, it just kills me that you tossed it in the bog... speaking of which, you should probably add a runestone. Which, considering where you are, shouldn't even raise an eyebrow. 😄 How did you fix the small flaw in the casting? Tig weld?

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

Tig welding is one way. Another way is to drill out or simply insert a small piece of bronze into the hole and hammer it in. Hammer it until it is embedded and peen the metal down and filed away the rest. But typically I use a tig welder.

[@RealDevastatia]

Matt Geevan posted a video 12 days ago in which he seems to have discovered the purpose and use of the dodecahedron.

[@apennameandthata2017]

nope

[@benjamindemontgomery6317]

o please. that is for making string. you can make one with a cotton bobbin. the different sises are for different thickness.

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

You should inform the scholars.

[@benjamindemontgomery6317]

@@lundgrenbronzestudios lol like they would take my word for it

[@frontenac5083]

Blah, blah, blah. Talk to the hand.

[@zackakai5173]

@@benjamindemontgomery6317 "lol like they would take my word for it" Yeah it's almost like people who actually know a thing or two about the subject don't take random KZbin commenters on their word or something. If you genuinely think you're onto something, do some more rigorous research on it, demonstrate how it works, and publish your findings in a peer-reviewed journal.

[@flyfisher4865]

It's a whistle. When Launched (Romans did not have gun powder) it would emit a very loud and scary whistle ! ! !

[@MorneBooysen]

Probably was a candlestick holder

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

Makes sense

[@kingkong9542]

Not realy

[@thehumanpulse2]

The background music at open is very creepy!

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

Maybe too creepy.

[@rerooar]

Hahaha man I was going to comment that you should bury it to confuse people in the future... and you did anyway... 🥰😍🥰

[@jesus2621]

They where used as a decoration when tie ropes,

[@MWCharke]

It's a 12 month calendar (the 12 month calendar created by Julius Ceasar just over 100 years prior) and the wood or paper dials with a raised turning tab are missing.

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

I haven’t heard that one. Most of the comments are just “it’s for knitting gloves”.

[@pirobot668beta]

It finds the Equinox. Align the thing to Polaris, the North Star each night. At first light, observe the shadows being cast by the 'balls' in contact with table... If you see exactly three shadows, Equinox. I used a museum replica thingee IRL, and lots of Blender simulations.

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

I haven’t heard that theory.

[@scrooglemcduck1163]

They're for knitting gloves!

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

That’s one of the ideas.

[@frontenac5083]

No they're not, dunce!

[@mevk1]

Very philosophical nub theory - good one hoser! Also one hell of an ending - my bet is on an asteroid and the archeologists can't find it, but Indiana Jones is resurrected, finds the coveted dodecahedron and the legend lives on... Quoteable quote: "a doohickey by any other name is still a rose". Huh?

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

😆. Never heard that quote before but I’m going to keep it.

[@mevk1]

​@@lundgrenbronzestudios I never get my quotes right the first time so I have to correct and correct.... My mother is an endless quotable quoter who's heard it all. Know nothing about 3D printing so wondering if you can​ hand smooth the printer's wave lines, inscribe hieroglyphics, modify program code to add hieroglyphics, etc. # Good casting practice is to cast a few extra "slugs"(3/16" diameter, 3/4" long -best to have assrment of sizes) you can later thread for repairs if needed with the matching metal. Or, in this case, an extra threadable "nubscrew" or two. Defect can be drilled out, threaded, then cast blanks threaded to fit, then peened/finished. Peening compresses void and makes for a very strong permanent repair. Don't quote this - never did much metal casting - just remember academically. A good welder may do differently, not sure.

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

You are right about that. That’s how ancient people would fix flaws without a welder.

[@mevk1]

Original quote came from Romeo & Juliet: "You can dress up his treasonous actions with whatever heroic descriptors you like, but it still remains treason. A rose by any other name, as they say. Honestly, I don't care if they end up changing the name of my town. A rose by any other name would smell as sweet, and this will always be home. A: "Do they really think that changing the company's name is going to effectively distance it from the scandal?" B: "Yeah, I don't get it. A rose by any other name, and all that."

[@mevk1]

@@lundgrenbronzestudios If one has no welder then color matching screws still a viable option today, though may require a tap/die set. Good option if alloy is difficult to weld, too. Sprues are often used as the screws. A process called friction or cold welding uses a sprue slightly larger than drilled out repair hole - sprue is placed in drill and spun until it stops, resulting is a strong permanent "cold weld". Simple ball pen hammer removes smaller pockmarks, dremel like tool with lots of bits, asrtmnt of files, sandblaster-tumbler-vibration, buffing wheel, etc., etc.. Welding bits of sprue/runner pieces may be the best. There are Tons of repair tricks out there, everyone finds the one(s) they like best. Finishing can be minimalist or can take longer than all the other steps combined. You have the best option Tig, an O2 torch will do, along with lots of other tricks not even listed here.

[@POEMS466]

Great project. Brilliant execution. Beautiful result. Bravo!

[@MultiSteveB]

Just saw another video on YT that claims these were used in the sending and receiving of encrypted messages. It seems quite plausible and explains several things, like the knobs on each vertex, the rings around some of the holes, the reason why they are found associated with either very wealthy merchants or the military, and why it has 12 differently-sized holes on the item. Video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHOnmKB7aMljl9k

[@apennameandthata2017]

No because you dint need a dodechedron to use that method!

[@wbeaty]

Must duplicate it exactly. Don't make up your own hole pattern. Use lots of photos of existing versions. Suppose it was a modern single flat plate with the same holes. Then obviously its for creating wood dowels of various sizes. Hammer a rough-carved stick through it to get started, then later just yank it through each smaller aperture. If they were scattered all over, mostly in remote military camps and not in cities, then they'd be for "mass production" of arrow shafts, not just for any smooth dowels. Any giant ones? Those are for making smooth spears.

[@WeBeGood06]

Today we use them to knit gloves.

[@prostytroll]

Now you know - The Enigma of the Roman Dodecahedron is Revealed ! - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHOnmKB7aMljl9k

[@zandrew4921]

For Glove knitting.

[@frontenac5083]

DUNCE

[@fado792]

Nice : Used for French knitting.

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

That’s what some believe.

[@peterjaimez1619]

It's a knitting device, check it in internet. Cheers

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

That was likely not its intended purpose.

[@caththomas5152]

It seems that this nifty object was used to make gloves. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWekp4lsZZasgJI It possibly was the precursor of a knitting nancy (tricotin). one could make various sizes thanks to the various sizes of the holes. When you find an object back nearly everywhere over Europe, that is it likely of as common use as a spoon, you've got to change perspective and look at your old granny who has no smartphone and still does things by hand. I do believe that this is what it was used for.

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

That’s one theory but there are some good arguments against it as well. The trouble is there is no documentation or historical evidence to rules out one idea over the other.

[@מוגוגוגו]

I am coming to dig it out now ... o_O

[@about2mount]

Chinese know what they are and they got the idea from Rome. In Rome they were used tied to Leather Straps onto Flogs(Flagellums) used as whips for beating criminals and slaves. Some larger ones as you are showing were used on battle Flogs.

[@joshlintula9457]

Very nice!

[@NashBrooklyn]

we dont really know! not really! we know exactly what they were used for and how many of them were required to be used together - a drum roll please! ta-da! the tent holders with the minimum 4 corners - the thick spears (they called them hastas) would be placed into one size of the hastatenera (dodecahedron) and skinny ones would be placed into another size - then use either leather drapes or rolls of fabric to cover the cube like shape tent - and by the way hastateneras (dodecahedrons) were found mostly in the north of europe where the cold whether was most common - so several tents would be built creating a small square like plaze in the center - also the reason they were made out of bronze and blacksmithed by army suppliers - is to allow bronze to shrink during cold night which leads to holding the hastas tighter - we are also aware of dodecahedron with tiny 3 to 4 holes on each side - those were used in the roman fleet to hold hammocks in the sleeping compartments - as they allow even distribution of ropes at each side of the hammocks - hope that helps!

[@ThePiemasteification]

I love you for that ending! You are a true stoic. Was the mold broken to open it? I would love to take one of these to my Rennaisance faire.

[@geroldbendix1651]

Stop speculating and look the video below. It can be used as a knitting device, for ropes, gloves and jewelry. The presentation in the video is very convincing. It was first? discovered 2014 but the presentation lacked in persuasiveness.

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

It’s a theory.

[@geroldbendix1651]

@@lundgrenbronzestudios Maybe, but the practical demo is quite convincing.

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

@@geroldbendix1651 some dodecahedron didn’t have holes in them like this so a knitting tool becomes questionable.

[@geroldbendix1651]

@@lundgrenbronzestudios Unless they dig up some scriptural evidence it will remain of course a theory. Are you sure that they also found some without holes? I saw some with very small holes. Anyway, at least she discovered a way to practically use these. Even if it is a theory, it's more useful than Big bang theory and Darwinism together, right?

[@lindafarnes486]

Based on our available knowledge: these have been found across the Roman empire but not in Italy. High status, more likely to be a man's item than a woman's. I think it was the Roman Empire's equivalent of a golden globe award, or an OBE. Not meant to be for anything. Just for dusplay.

[@christinecooper7820]

This has been solved you put a dowl through and knit gold or silver wire below round and round like a French dolly , then you pass the knitted wire through from large the the oppersit large holes then change and pass the wire 😮through next smaller oppersit holes and so on and you end up with a tightly twisted gold chain . It’s on utube

[@lundgrenbronzestudios]

Interesting