Mysterious Roman Dodecahedron Unearthed in Lincolnshire Goes on Display

A rare Gallo-Roman dodecahedron, uncovered by Lincolnshire’s Norton Disney History and Archaeology Group, is now showcased at the University of Nottingham Museum at Lakeside Arts until the 18th of January, 2026. The specimen, a hollow, 12-sided artefact of unknown purpose, keeps archaeologists intrigued. It was found in Norton Disney’s Potter Hill area in June 2023. This specimen, which is particularly well conserved, is the Midlands’ unique dodecahedron from a total of 33 found across Britain. Richard Parker, the archaeology group secretary, indicated that the artefact was found along with pottery, bones, and nails in a Roman quarry pit, suggesting vital clues about its historical foundation. Due to the persistent mystery surrounding dodecahedra, which have baffled experts for three centuries, the discovery has piqued worldwide curiosity. The University of Nottingham’s exhibition not only features the dodecahedron but also delves into the relevance of Norton Disney in the Roman era, providing insights into the site’s excavations over the previous two years. The exhibition’s unveiling aligns with the free Roman-themed Festival of Archaeology event taking place this Saturday.

This article is a rewritten piece, based on original reportage available at www.bbc.com by The Lincoln Post.