Object Based Learning

Bronze Steelyard

Description:

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.

Photograph; Effy Alexakis Photowrite

Details

Title:
Bronze Steelyard
Collection:
Macquarie University History Museum
Url:
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Tags:
Rome,daily life,artefact,archaeology,
Fields:
Ancient History (Year 11 & 12)
Accession
MU4503
Period
Late Roman
Date
c. 4th - 5th Century CE
Provenance
Unknown
Material/s
Bronze
Dimensions
20.6cm (l)
Source
Macquarie University, MAC

Resources

  • 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)
  • 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)
  • 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)
  • 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)

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Cite This Page

Macquarie University History Museum (2024). Bronze Steelyard, MU4503. //sveltekit-prerender/artefacts/bronze_steelyard/ (accessed on: Tue Apr 16 2024).

Rights & Permissions

We support the open release of data and information about our collections. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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