An Unusual Object in our Collection – The Roman Balance
One of the latest additions to our ever-growing collection is an unusual-looking metal device that one has to wonder about. Mind boggling – yes, but in fact this implement has a very practical application. Then, what does it do? What we have here is a Roman Steelyard, or Roman Balance, dated between the late 2nd and 5th centuries. Although it looks like some sort of torture device, it had a very useful and celebrated function; namely for weighing trade goods.
“Is it some sort of torture device?” – Museum Staff Member.
You might now ask how people used this object. Our balance is made of iron and features two lead weights that hang from iron bars. The balance would hang from the ceiling by the upper hook and trade goods suspended by the hooks. The large weight would slide up and down the balance bar until the bar became horizontal. The weight would be calculated by how far the weight was across the bar. Chiselled into the bar at regular intervals are measurements in Roman Numerals, I, V, and X.
The steelyard will feature in the newly refurbished Roman Display in the main gallery. Be sure to follow the Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with the latest collection updates!