Romano-Byzantine Scale Weights (6 pcs)

Late Roman Imperial Period & Near East, Byzantine Empire, ca. 3rd to 10th century CE. A collection of 6 cast bronze, copper and brass weights for scale measurements and merchant use all with rounded or cube shapes. Rome implemented standard weights and measures to ensure consistency and to prevent corruption, especially amongst tax collectors and merchants. The Byzantine empire maintained this practice by creating these weights with the addition of Christian symbols. The large square form is inscribed with the Greek letters gamma and beta - the denominational mark for 2 ounces- (although this one is only 1.75 ounces), and also has a crucifix. Size of large square: 1.2" L x 1.2" W (3 cm x 3 cm)