These Have Been Found All Across Ancient Rome (Nobody Knows Why)

Summary

This video delves into the mystery of the Roman dodecahedron, a 12-sided ancient artifact whose purpose remains unknown. The host explores various theories, including its use as a status symbol, a religious item, or an artistic creation. Special attention is given to the icosahedron, a rare 20-sided object, emphasizing the challenges of interpreting historical artifacts. The video encourages audience engagement by crowdsourcing ideas, offering a replica for people to experiment with. The host also promotes *Nebula*, a streaming platform for independent creators, and discusses how everyday objects might baffle future generations, much like the dodecahedron does for us.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Roman *dodecahedron* is a mysterious ancient object with twelve faces and spherical hollow holes, and its exact purpose remains unknown.
• 😀 Some theories suggest the *dodecahedron* was a demonstration of metalworkers' skills or a status symbol used by elites.
• 😀 The object might have been a valuable trend or social status item, much like modern-day collectibles or luxury goods.
• 😀 One variant, the icosahedron, has 20 faces and is even rarer, with only one known example found in Germany.
• 😀 There is a theory that the *dodecahedron* could have had a religious or protective significance, similar to a rosary or crucifix today.
• 😀 The idea of the *dodecahedron* being a trendy object, like a modern-day Beanie Baby or fidget spinner, is also proposed.
• 😀 The speaker suggests that humans often ascribe deep significance to mysterious objects, but sometimes things are just created for fun or as artwork.
• 😀 The importance of context in understanding ancient artifacts is emphasized, using the example of a future archaeologist misinterpreting modern objects.
• 😀 The speaker invites viewers to share their own theories and conduct experiments to better understand the *dodecahedron*'s purpose.
• 😀 A merchandise initiative is introduced, offering replica *dodecahedrons* for viewers to experiment with and share findings on social media.
• 😀 The video encourages viewers to explore history's lesser-known details, using the example of the *dodecahedron* as a starting point for deeper exploration into ancient culture.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the video script?

The main topic discussed is the mystery surrounding the ancient Roman dodecahedron, an object made of metal that has intrigued archaeologists and historians due to its unknown purpose.

What are some of the theories proposed regarding the function of the Roman dodecahedron?

Theories about the dodecahedron include it being a religious symbol, a status symbol for the elite, an artistic creation by skilled metalworkers, or even a trendy item like modern fidget spinners or Beanie Babies.

Why does Joe express skepticism about the theory of the dodecahedron being a tool for metalworkers to demonstrate their skill?

Joe is skeptical because such an object, being buried with elite individuals, suggests a higher social function rather than just a tool for tradespeople. He believes it would be more likely found with metalworkers or in trade centers, not in military camps or graves of the wealthy.

What connection does Joe draw between the dodecahedron and modern items like Beanie Babies and fidget spinners?

Joe draws a parallel between the dodecahedron and modern items like Beanie Babies and fidget spinners, suggesting that the dodecahedron could have been a trendy item with no practical function, but held value due to social or cultural significance at the time.

What is the significance of the icosahedron mentioned in the video, and how does it differ from the dodecahedron?

The icosahedron is a related object with 20 sides, unlike the dodecahedron's 12 sides. It is considered unique, as only one has ever been found, and its purpose is even more mysterious. Joe suggests it may simply be an artistic creation rather than something with deep spiritual or practical significance.

How does Joe compare the loss of context in archaeological discoveries to modern items?

Joe compares the loss of context to how future generations or even aliens might misunderstand the everyday objects we use today, such as the three seashells from *Demolition Man*. He highlights how much of human culture is based on shared understanding, which can be lost over time.

What is Joe's view on how much significance should be attributed to archaeological finds?

Joe believes that while archaeological objects can certainly hold significance, sometimes they are simply created for creative or personal reasons without a grand or deep cultural meaning. He cautions against over-attributing meaning to everything found.

What does Joe suggest about the potential future of today's objects in terms of archaeological interpretation?

Joe suggests that many of the objects we use today, such as toys or tools, could be misinterpreted in the future. Objects like Beanie Babies, fidget spinners, and even everyday items could be seen as mysterious or even sacred by future archaeologists who don’t understand their context.

What does Joe's 'crowdsourcing experiment' involve regarding the dodecahedron?

Joe invites viewers to participate in an experiment where they can purchase and test a replica dodecahedron to see if they can come up with a new theory about its purpose. He encourages creativity and sharing their ideas on social media to potentially solve the mystery.

What series does Joe recommend for those interested in learning about prehistoric technologies?

Joe recommends *Archaeology Quest*, a Nebula original series where hosts Stephanie and Lorraine work with real archaeologists to explore Paleolithic technologies like spears, stone tools, pottery, and fire, showcasing what daily life was like in the Stone Age.