Roman Dodecahedron

History · Finds

The Geneva Zodiac Dodecahedron

Key points

  • Found in 1982 during excavations at Saint-Pierre Cathedral, Geneva.[GE]
  • Lead covered with silver, with the Latin name of a zodiac sign on each of its 12 faces; dated to the 4th century AD.[GE]
  • Unlike the bronze Gallo-Roman dodecahedra it has no holes or knobs, but it is often used to argue for a divination role.[GC]

The find

The object came to light in the archaeological excavations at Saint-Pierre Cathedral in 1982. It is lead covered in silver, and each of the twelve faces carries the Latin name of a sign of the zodiac. Its find context and the form of the K in Kancri (Cancer) date it to the 4th century AD, according to the Canton of Geneva.[GE] A 1985 summary in the Swiss journal ZAK describes it as a Roman die with silver faces, filled with lead, weighing 297 g, and probably used to predict the future by play.[ZAK]

How it differs from the bronze dodecahedra

GenevaTypical Gallo-Roman
MaterialSilver over lead[GE]Copper alloy[W]
FacesSolid, inscribed with zodiac names[GE]Pierced with holes of different sizes[W]
KnobsNone mentionedOn every corner[W]
Date4th century AD[GE]2nd–4th century AD[W]

Why it matters

The Grand Curtius museum in Liège calls a divination interpretation of its own dodecahedron “the most enticing hypothesis” and cites the Geneva die as support.[GC] The Canton of Geneva, however, says the Geneva piece is unique in material, decoration and workmanship, and only that one “can imagine” it as a die for astrological fortune-telling.[GE] It is a link, not proof. More in our ritual and divination guide.

FAQ

What is the Geneva dodecahedron?

A 4th-century silver-covered lead dodecahedron found at Saint-Pierre Cathedral, Geneva, in 1982, with the Latin zodiac names on its faces.

Does it prove the bronze dodecahedra were for fortune-telling?

No. It is a different kind of object, and its own use is still uncertain.

Sources

  1. [GE] République et canton de Genève, “Objets archéologiques – Episode #1: Le dodécaèdre de Saint-Pierre”, 2021 (French)
  2. [ZAK] “Le dodécaèdre en argent trouvé à Saint-Pierre de Genève”, Zeitschrift für schweizerische Archäologie und Kunstgeschichte 42 (1985), p. 153, via e-periodica
  3. [GC] Grand Curtius, Liège, “Dodecahedron” (collection page)
  4. [W] Wikipedia, “Roman dodecahedron” (accessed Oct 2026)

Looking for a Roman dodecahedron for sale? See the solid metal edition, in brass or bronze.