Speakers
Description
The metrological systems and weights have been important marks of identity of cultural groups throughout history, and in their patterns closely linked to the minting of coins. However, the analysis of this class of objects has been rare and undervalued, possibly because of their limited material and formal attractiveness.
We present here objects associated with the act of weighing from the Roman camp of Cáceres el Viejo (Extremadura, Spain). Most were excavated a century ago by Schulten and published in the past but without an analysis of their characteristics, parallels and possible functionality. Upon closer examination (weight, form, mark, material, etc.) they were linked to the presence of the Roman Army in this part of Hispania, in a camp abandoned probably due to the Sertorian War. They represent the earliest and largest group of pondera, statera, and scales recovered from a Roman Republican military context.
