Reconstruction and Casting of a Late Roman Dodecahedron

During excavations at old Roman settlements, archaeologists unearthed copper components with a dodecahedral shape, each surface featuring a different diameter hole. These objects, predominantly found within the Roman Empire but also in Southeast Asia, have sparked a historical mystery. The original purpose of these components, whether religious artifacts, household objects, or standardized measuring devices, still remains an enigma. In a collaborative effort with the East Prussian State Museum in Lüneburg, a dodecahedron was reconstructed and cast using investment casting. The reconstruction was accompanied by a parameter study regarding the materials used and a simulative calculation of the thermal conditions to optimize the process. This endeavor not only sheds light on the past but also piques our curiosity about the ancient world. unearthed copper components with a dodecahedral shape, each surface featuring a different diameter hole. These objects, predominantly found within the Roman Empire but also in Southeast Asia, have sparked a historical mystery. The original purpose of these components, whether religious artifacts, household objects, or standardized measuring devices, still remains an enigma. In a collaborative effort with the East Prussian State Museum in Lüneburg, a dodecahedron was reconstructed and cast using investment casting. The reconstruction was accompanied by a parameter study regarding the materials used and a simulative calculation of the thermal conditions to optimize the process. This endeavor not only sheds light on the past but also piques our curiosity about the ancient world.     «

During excavations at old Roman settlements, archaeologists unearthed copper components with a dodecahedral shape, each surface featuring a different diameter hole. These objects, predominantly found within the Roman Empire but also in Southeast Asia, have sparked a historical mystery. The original purpose of these components, whether religious artifacts, household objects, or standardized measuring devices, still remains an enigma. In a collaborative effort with the East Prussian State Museum i...     »