The Roman dodecahedron, discovered in the English countryside, is the latest in a long line of similar items that have perplexed researchers for centuries. While theories range from children’s toys to religious items, could the newest addition finally solve the mystery of these unique artifacts?

Over 100 of these strange artifacts have been unearthed across Europe, with one of the most recent coming from a field in the English countryside.

The artifact was discovered close to the ruins of an ancient Roman villa that stood in the Lincolnshire village of Norton Disney over 1,700 years ago, per The Smithsonian.

The group had been searching the region for Roman artifacts, including coins and broaches. During the final few days, one of the volunteers unearthed the dodecahedron after scanning an area with a metal detector. “We were completely surprised by it,” said Parker.

He continued, “[Dodecahedrons] are one of archaeology’s great enigmas,” he says. “Our example is remarkable. It’s in an excellent condition—considering it’s been buried for 1,700 years—and complete with no damage.

According to the group, the recently discovered example brings the total number of dodecahedrons discovered in the United Kingdom to 33. However, over 130 have been unearthed at sites associated with the Roman Empire’s northwestern provinces.

“It is well cast, complete with no damage,” writes the group. “It is an example of very fine craftsmanship, finished to a high standard,” they wrote.

Archaeologists are sure many date back to the first century CE. However, because the Romans left no textual references to the unique items, we have been left in the dark so far as their functional use is concerned.

“The fact that many of them were found before scientific excavation started in the 20th century does hinder our understanding of them,” said McIntosh.

She continued, “Some theories are that they functioned as measuring devices, calendars, ornamental scepter toppers, weapons or tools.” Others have proposed that the tiny items were used in religious settings or as toys for children.

“A huge amount of time, energy, and skill was taken to create our dodecahedron, so it was not used for mundane purposes,” wrote the group, adding, “They are not of a standard size, so will not be measuring devices. They don’t show signs of wear, so they are not a tool.”

Nonetheless, Norton Disney put forward their own theory suggesting as “Roman society was full of superstition,” it likely had a religious purpose. They finished by admitting that further research is required before anyone can say for certain what the unusual artifacts were used for.