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DODECAHEDRON
Unique ID: SUR-729950
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
Two fragments of a cast copper alloy hollow dodecahedron of Roman date; the fragments join at one point only although it is not precisely clear which of the two breaks is the original join. The two fragments form most of one pentagonal face and parts of the five adjacent faces. At each of the four surviving corners is a large spherical projection, each about 13.5mm in diameter. The complete face is pierced by a circular hole c15.75 in diameter and the edges of three further holes are also visible on three of the extant sides. The interior is left roughcast. there is no additional decoration.
Notes:
Copper alloy dodecahedrons are uncommon finds and appear restricted to the northern part of the Roman empire, stretching from Britain to Hungary. Possibly about ten to a dozen are known from Britain and the present example appears to be the only one from southern England outside London. One other has been recorded by the PAS, from Wetwang, Yorkshire (YORYM-41CD72). The function of these objects remains uncertain and various suggestions have been made which range from surveying instruments to candleholders.
Chronology
Broad period: ROMAN
Period from: ROMAN
Period to: ROMAN
Date from: AD 43
Date to: AD 410
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Weight: 82 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Wednesday 1st April 2009
Personal details
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Materials and construction
Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Fragment
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: SU9647
Four figure Latitude: 51.21414307
Four figure longitude: -0.6269436
1:25K map: SU9647
1:10K map: SU94NE
Grid reference source: From a paper map
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 10 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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