Athena Review Image Archive ™
Pompeii: Forum, mensa ponderaria
Pompeii: Mensa ponderaria in the Forum (photo: Athena Review)
In
the Forum markets, the Mensa Ponderaria was used for standardized
measurements. It consisted of a limestone table with nine circular
holes of standard capacities, with holes at bottom for measured product
to run out. Originally Oscan, with Oscan measurement names based on
Greek, modified to Roman standards under Augustus.
The
Inscription reads: "Aulus Clodius Flaccus, son of Aulus, and Numerius
Arcaeus Arellianus Caledus, son of Numerius, duumvirs with judiciary
authority, on a decree of city council, caused measures to be made
equal."
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