A Bronze Steelyard with an Acorn-Shaped Counterweight from the Paphos Agora

A Bronze Steelyard with an Acorn-Shaped Counterweight from the Paphos Agora reveals evidence of a local island weighting system distinct from the Roman pound (libra). The discovery, made during excavations at Nea Paphos' agora by the Department of Classical Archaeology, Institute of Archaeology, Jagiellonian University, includes a bronze steelyard, an acorn-shaped counterweight, and fragments of chain and hooks. This Pompeian-type steelyard, dated to the 1st century AD by analogy with other examples, demonstrates the use of a lever-based weighing device in Roman and Byzantine periods, offering insights into ancient trade practices and measurement standards.

Papuci-Władyka, E., & Wacławik, M. (2016). A Bronze Steelyard with an Acorn-Shaped Counterweight from the Paphos Agora. Studies in Ancient Art and Civilisation, 20, 137–149. https://doi.org/10.12797/saac.20.2016.20.09