Definition:Roman Weights and Measures

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Definition

The Roman system of weights is a system of mass units originating from the time of the Roman empire.

This system continued to be used throughout Europe, although it evolved in different directions according to use.


Roman Weights

The Roman units of mass are as follows:


Calcus

$1$ calcus $= \dfrac 1 8$ scrupulus.

Its value in modern units is estimated to be approximately $2.2$ grains, or approximately $0.14$ grams.


Siliqua

$1$ siliqua $= \dfrac 1 6$ scrupulus $= \dfrac 1 {144}$ uncia.

Its value in modern units is estimated to be approximately $2.9$ grains, or approximately $0.19$ grams.

Its modern equivalent is the carat.


Scrupulus

$1$ scrupulus $= \dfrac 1 {24}$ uncia $= 8$ calci.

Its value in modern units is estimated to be approximately $17.6$ grains, or approximately $0.14$ grams.


Uncia

$1$ uncia $= \dfrac 1 {12}$ libra $= 24$ scrupuli.

Its value in modern units is estimated to be approximately $423$ grains or $27.4$ grams.


Libra

$1$ libra $= 12$ unciae.

Its value in modern units is estimated to be approximately $5 \, 076$ grains or $329$ grams.


Also see