The Roman Gadget Archaeologists Can't Figure Out | March 29, 2022 | Sideprojects
Posted on 04/03/2022 6:52:09 AM PDT by SunkenCiv
The Roman Gadget Archaeologists Can't Figure Out | March 29, 2022 | Sideprojects
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Hmmmm....you raised a possibilty....how about some kind of weaving device...seems at least reasonable....maybe something to do with rope on occasion...lets say for bridles...
I saw a program that featured this item, and that was one of the suggestions that it was used for. Can't remember the other things the "experts" who were on the show mentioned that it could have been used for.
The problem with the dismount idea is caltrops existed already. Way easier to make. Sharp and therefore much more effective.
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We have antitank missiles, but antitank mines already exist and are way easier to make.
But that’s an apples and oranges comparison. Missiles are active, mines are passive. One you aim. One you leave somewhere inconvenient to the enemy. Basically mines are the latest most advanced version of caltrops. These dodecahedrons would just be a harder to make less effective version of caltrops. It would be a backwards step.
Well, maybe these things were a bad idea in the first place, but if you’ve ever ridden a horse, then you know their footing on lose rock is not so hot. So the more unstable the ground, the harder it is for horses to make speed - particularly a full on calvary charge. I see this as the best option for a military use by the Romans.
Broken pottery does not roll and is fairly stable, compared to a multi-surfaced hollow object with knobs.
Its too expensive and difficult to make for a toy or most common tools.
It serves no purpose as a weapon. Far too costly, wouldnt do much damage, no point in all the different size holes AND external rings around the holes, others cheaper and more effective, etc.
Shows no wear, not a tool. Even soft materials would eventually wear on the gauge. Too fragile for anything to be worked on it.
Apparently used for a specific period of time then abandoned.
Is made of metal but isnt made of metal to resist use damage suggesting that it had to be something that once made was resistant to change and damage and could be made to meet predefined specifications.
Odd inconvenient size and shape for most field applications.
All known things considered I would think this has to be something along the lines of a command/diplomatic level encryption device.
That doesnt explain the German one very well but as many have pointed out, a spaghetti gauge and a range finder are very similar tools but that doesnt mean they are used for the same thing.
...Oh, ya....
AND the fact that there is no documentation or reference. If it were a metal workers diploma or something there would likely be some sort of reference to it or it would be found in the dwellings of smiths not transported around with someone to a military base and if it were it would be with him/in his place of work.
Dont talk=secret.
I have 3 guesses -
For use in a slingshot weapon. The holes would enable it to fly through the air and the heavy mass and points would hurt!
Or, a device to wind ladies long hair around to make exotic hairdos.
Or, a rope making tool using twine wrapped around and feeding off of the device.
I favor the Magic VIII Ball theory myself.
OK, lets assume that the the Roman military industrial complex convinced Caesar that the equivalent of a rifle round with the price tag of an ICBM was a good idea...
How does the changing the size of the holes on the sides better injure a horse? How does the changing of the engraved ring around the hole cause the horse more difficulty in battle?
Wouldnt the caltrops in a clay oil flask grenade like the Greeks used be more effective and cheaper?
holes can be explained as attempts to make the object more or less fragile and susceptible to breaking or lasting longer after bringing one horses down. A work in progress no one got exactly right and was discontinued.
Engraved ring might just be maker’s signature - a decoration if you will.
Manpads are more effective at taking out a tank then mines, but we still use both.
I thought that
I miss Rush
8^)
5.56mm
LOL
Good post.
That’s what she said. I mean, thanks! I did blow up that very nice wiki-image, and there’s a sort of sphere there, so, could be, but maybe for this gizmo it wasn’t for the weight as described, but for the sound it made in flight.
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