Collection: Macquarie University History Museum
Bronze Steelyard
| Accession # | MU4503 |
| Creator | |
| Culture | Roman |
| Period | Late Roman |
| Date | c. 4th - 5th Century CE |
| Provenance | Unknown |
| Material/s | Bronze |
| Dimensions | 20.6cm (l) |
| Collection | Macquarie University History Museum |
| Source | Macquarie University, MAC |
| Classification |
Photograph; Effy Alexakis Photowrite
MU4503 is a bronze steelyard (an apparatus used to calculate the weight of objects). MU4503 consists of several parts; including a balance arm inscribed with Roman numerals, a hook for suspension, two chains with hooks attached to suspend the object that was to be weighed and a solid domed counterweight or counterpoise. The steelyard is intact however some oxidization can be observed on the object’s surface. A number of steelyards similar to that of MU4503 have been found in Pompeii, these were likely used for the commercial weighing of food-stuffs, textiles and other materials.
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Syllabus Links
- Stage 6 HSC Core Study. Cities of Vesuvius – Investigating and interpreting the sources for Pompeii and Herculaneum
- The economy; role of the forum, trade, commerce, industries, occupations (ACHAH374)
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Historical Concepts and Skills; Analysis and use of sources
- Explain the meaning and value of sources for an historical inquiry (ACHAH007, ACHAH009)
- Analyse sources to identify and account for the different perspectives of individuals and groups in the past (ACHAH010)
- Analyse and synthesise evidence from different types of sources to develop reasoned claims (ACHAH008)
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Historical Concepts and Skills; Historical Interpretation
- Form judgements about historical significance, recognising that significance may be attributed for different purposes
- Analyse and evaluate contested interpretations and representations of the past (ACHAH011, ACHAH012)
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Historical Concepts and Skills; Historical investigation and research
- Use evidence from a range of sources to inform investigation and research (ACHAH005)
- Historical Concepts and Skills; Explanation and communication
- Develop texts, particularly historical accounts and arguments, supported by relevant evidence from sources (ACHAH013)
- Stage 6 HSC Core Study. Cities of Vesuvius – Investigating and interpreting the sources for Pompeii and Herculaneum
- Educational Resources
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Online Resources
- Max Planck Institute for the History of Science - Mechanical Knowledge and Pompeian Balances
- INTRODUCTORY RESOURCE – Herculaneum Walking Tour
- INTRODUCTORY RESOURCE - The British Museum - Pompeii Live
- INTRODUCTORY SOURCE - Ideas Roadshow; Herculaneum Uncovered – A Conversation with Andrew Wallace-Hadrill
- INTRODUCTORY SOURCE - Pompeii Bibliography and Mapping Project
- INTRODUCTORY SOURCE – PompeiiinPictures
- INTRODUCTORY SOURCE – HerculaneuminPictures
- INTRODUCTORY SOURCE – Herculaneum Panoramas
- RECENT DISCOVERIES – Instagram account and updates from excavations at regio. V at Pompeii
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Bibliography/References
- Cooley, A.E., & Cooley, M.G.L., (2004), Pompeii and Herculaneum; A Source Book, London, pp. 227-288.
- Damerow, P., Renn, J., Rieger, S., Weinig, P., (2000), Mechanical Knowledge and Pompeian Balances
- Dobbins, J. & Foss, P., (2008) The World of Pompeii, London.
- Flohr, M., & Wilson, A. (eds.) (2017), The Economy of Pompeii, Oxford.
- Wallace-Hadrill, A., (1994) Houses and Society in Pompeii and Herculaneum, New Jersey.
Cite this page
Macquarie University History Museum (2020). Bronze Steelyard, MU4503. //objectbasedlearning.com/Macquarie-University-History-Museum/MU4503 (accessed on: 14 June 2020).Rights & Permissions
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