Set of Three Roman Balance Weights (Equipondia)

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Set of Three Roman Balance Weights (Equipondia)

Artist Unidentified

Period Roman Empire (Ancient Roman, 27 BCE-395 CE)

Period Roman Period (Ancient Egyptian, 30 BCE - 330 CE)

Place of OriginRoman Empire

DateRoman Period, before 330 AD

Dimensions11/16 × 1 1/2 in. (1.7 × 3.8 cm)

MediumCopper alloy (bronze) or dark stone

ClassificationUtilitarian Objects

Credit LineGift of Arthur F. Bissell

Object number

1911.43A

Not on View

DescriptionA set of three spherical commercial weights, likely for use with a two-pan balance scale (bilanx). Each weight is roughly globular in form with flattened top and bottom surfaces to prevent rolling. They feature dark, polished surfaces with inlaid dotted designs. 1911.43A: Marked on one face with dots forming the letter "R"; the reverse features three dots arranged in a triangle. 1911.43B: Marked with a cluster of dots. 1911.43C: Marked on the flat face with eleven dots arranged to form a shape.

Label TextIn the busy markets of ancient Rome, trust was established through standardized weights like these. Used on a two-pan scale (bilanx) to weigh coins or commodities, these heavy spheres were designed with flattened tops and bottoms to sit securely on the counter. The inlaid shapes or letters, such as the "R" seen in 1911.43A, served as official control marks. These stamps likely abbreviated the name of the aedile (market official) or the city of origin, certifying that the weights met the strict imperial standards for the Roman pound.