Inscribed sekoma from Terpni, Serres
Year: 2023
Type: article
Abstract: The article presents a previously unpublished inscribed marble measuring table (sekoma) found at the ancient fortified city which occupies the hill of Palaiokastro near Terpni, Serres (Greece). The site is located in ancient Bisaltia and is possibly to be identified with the Graero station on the ancient route between Amphipolis and Heraclea Sintica. This inscribed sekoma dating to the Roman imperial period (possibly second half of the 1st century AD), consists of a series of small cavities used to measure specific quantities of substances. The authors examine the sekoma’s form and function, and provide detailed volumetric calculations, drawing comparisons with other measuring tables across the Greek world. The inscription engraved on the sekoma, unique in Greek epigraphy, includes instructions for measuring hard and granular materials, such as herbs, pharmaceutical substances or metals. The text also includes a reference to a person whose title is not explicitly determined, apparently a magistrate who held the responsibility for the appropriate use of the measuring table. The article explores the public and administrative roles of officials, such as agoranomoi (market supervisors), in maintaining standardized measurement rules and regulating the trade of goods.
DOI: 10.4000/15iw8
Authors: Angelos Zannis, Emil Nankov
Language: English
Topic: Classical Antiquity Studies
Subfield: Anthropology
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7124830368
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