Britain has long been a hotbed for Roman artefacts and discoveries. Famously, the Roman Empire came to try to conquer the British Isles, but found the task to be much more difficult than expected. They certainly left their mark and continue to be culturally significant, but the legacy is one of needing to quash rebellion even while bringing civilisation and advanced technology to the mainland.
As the Roman Empire shrank, it left behind many of its grandest creations. After centuries of finding these artefacts, we’ve created a strong sense of the Roman times in Britain, but one reoccurring and distinctly ornate artefact continues to puzzle Romanologists. That artefact is a dodecahedron, which is now on show in Nottingham but only until the middle of January next year.
The Mysterious Roman Dodecahedron
One of many grand artefacts found in Norton Disney, Lincolnshire, at the Potter Hill site in the summer of 2023, the Roman dodecahedron is novel for many different reasons. Not only is its purpose unknown, but the potential ornament is distinctly ornate in its design. With extra baubles dotted around, and circular holes cut into the sides, it’s an unforgettable sight. Further, this dodecahedron is particularly well-preserved.
It’s not the only dodecahedron found. However, as is reported by the BBC, this one was found complete and in remarkable condition. Most others, but not all, were found damaged or in too many fragments to be pieced together. With this complete artefact, all others can be better understood. Yet, even with 33 other examples found in Britain, the purpose of the 8cm tall, 254g piece is unknown.
Having survived in this superb condition for some 1,7000 years, its site could finally reveal the secrets behind its purpose. For now, to pique the interests of any and all intrigued by our Roman history, the mysterious dodecahedron is on show at the University of Nottingham Museum at Lakeside Arts. It first came on show on 25 July and will only be available for visitors to see until 18 January 2026.
Expanding the British Fascination with our Roman Past
From Claudius’ initial invasion in AD 43 to Rome turning its back on the ruling seat of Britain in the 5th Century, much of Britain was ruled by the Romans for over 350 years. In doing so, Rome had a huge influence on the trajectory of the oft-invaded island and continues to be among the most popular points of interest in our history. Naturally, along with the many Roman exhibits at museums, entertainment renditions of those days remain a hit.
You can see this from the most advertised corners of entertainment to the newest types of digital entertainment. On the latter, the leading online casino and its live casino in the UK are the prime example. The game shows and table games played live regularly tap into popular themes, as shown by Treasure Island and Balloon Race Live. Slots also do this regularly, with some of the most popular games in the UK at the live casinos site being Shields of Rome and Roamin’ Romans.
On TV and the big screen, the popularity of Roman productions also remains high in Britain. The German show Barbarians on Netflix earned tremendous acclaim and a solid audience in the UK. Even bigger than that, though, the comedy and historical drama Britannia went big on the mysticism of the Celtic tribes and the threat they posed to Rome. Even on the big screen, the distinctly lacking Gladiator II still managed to earn over $40 million at the UK box office.
Rome will never fade as an enticing setting for the British, and now, in Nottingham, we get a unique look at one of the most mysterious aspects of the empire that tried for centuries to tame these shores.
