More than 100 such ancient artifacts have been found throughout Europe, but nobody knows what they are
  • A Roman dodecahedron, a mysterious 12-sided metal object, was discovered in the village of Norton Disney in England.
  • The artifact is in excellent condition and is larger than many other dodecahedrons that have been found.
  • The purpose of these objects remains unclear, but theories suggest they may have been used for ritualistic or religious purposes.
  • tunetardis@lemmy.ca
    7·
    11 months ago

    Some theories are that they functioned as measuring devices, calendars, ornamental scepter toppers, weapons or tools.

    Early D&D dice?

    • chaogomu@kbin.social
      10·
      11 months ago

      The Romans had dice that would roll better.

      They seem to have favored d20 and d6, but other dice have also been found.

      But I would bring my own to a Roman game of D&D, because the Romans also tended to use lopsided dice (They believed in fate rather than luck, so hand waved away loaded dice)

      • tunetardis@lemmy.ca
        6·
        11 months ago

        That’s fascinating! I had to look it up. They did indeed have d20s.

        Divination – seeking advice about the unknown from the supernatural – seems to be the most likely purpose for the Dakhleh die: the polyhedron might have been thrown in order to determine a god who might assist the practitioner.

        Awesome. So they were basically used in cleric spellcasting.