 |
| Ancient Roman Dodecahedron Mystery: Did ChatGPT Just Solve It as a Military Rangefinder? |
The Ancient Puzzle of Roman Dodecahedrons
If you're a fan of history or mysterious artifacts, you’ll be intrigued by one of the Roman Empire’s most puzzling relics — the Roman dodecahedron. These are small, hollow 12-faced bronze objects, ranging from 4 to 11 centimeters in diameter. Each face has a hole of a different size, and the objects have been found across Western Europe — including France, Germany, the UK, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
What were they used for? No one knows for sure. They’ve been discovered without any written explanation, and historians have long speculated about their purpose. Popular theories include candlestick holders, religious tools, measuring instruments, parts of astronomical devices, or even knitting aids.
But recently, artificial intelligence has offered a surprisingly logical and functional theory.
ChatGPT Offers a New Explanation
Tech blogger Denis Sexy IT asked ChatGPT o3-Pro, the most advanced AI model from OpenAI, for its take on the dodecahedrons' purpose. The answer? Roman soldiers may have used them as portable rangefinders for estimating distances on the battlefield.
How the Rangefinder Theory Works
According to ChatGPT, here’s how a Roman soldier might have used the dodecahedron:
-
Hold the dodecahedron at arm’s length, close one eye, and look through a pair of opposite holes.
-
Move the device forward or backward until the edges of the two circles (near and far holes) align perfectly, creating a single ring.
-
If a known object — say, a soldier 1.7 meters tall — fits exactly within that circle, then the object is at a specific distance, based on pre-calculated geometry.
-
These distances (e.g., 15, 25, or 100 meters) could be pre-measured and referenced using a simple chart or markings on the object.
In short, it could have functioned as a simple but effective optical rangefinder — requiring no glass, batteries, or fragile parts. Notably, most dodecahedrons were found at military sites, which supports this theory.
DeepSeek AI Agrees
Another AI, DeepSeek, reviewed this theory and also found it highly plausible. It even suggested practical military uses, such as:
-
Estimating range for throwing plumbatae (lead-weighted darts)
-
Determining proper formation spacing
-
Aiding in ballista placement or timing tactical movements
Though there could be an estimated error of about 10% due to human perception, this margin is acceptable for battlefield decisions.
Weak Points in the Theory
Even though the idea is compelling, both ChatGPT and DeepSeek acknowledged its weaknesses:
-
Why are there no historical records mentioning this tool? Famous Roman engineers like Vitruvius or Frontinus never described such a device.
-
Why only dodecahedrons? If the method worked, why not other shapes?
-
Why do some artifacts lack paired holes? Perhaps those were defective, had other functions, or served as calibration tools.
Still, this theory seems far more credible than many earlier guesses. And the fact that AI developed it makes it all the more fascinating.
Can AI Help Decode the Past?
This case suggests that AI can contribute valuable insights even into ancient mysteries. With more historical data and improved models, artificial intelligence might help unlock secrets that have puzzled researchers for centuries.
So, what do you think? Was the Roman dodecahedron an ancient rangefinder? Or do you have your own theory? Let us know in the comments.
