Article

Weighing in Mesopotamia: The Balance Pan Weights from Ur

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Abstract

Weights, those calibrated stones and metals used in balance pans, have implications for many sociocultural processes. Yet, in order to investigate these processes we must first gather together and study statistical samples from various sites and periods within and between ancient regions. This paper continues that effort by examining more than 350 weights from the ancient site of Ur in southern Mesopotamia, modern Iraq. Common weight forms at Ur are those that are typical throughout the ancient Near East, and a predominant system of weight measurement centered around an 8.4 gram shekel is strongly indicated in the analysis, though there are indications of supplemental systems at Ur. Weights are found across the site in all time periods of occupation, but concentrate in burials of the Early Dynastic and Larsa/Old Babylonian periods.

How to Cite:

Hafford, W., (2012) “Weighing in Mesopotamia: The Balance Pan Weights from Ur”, Akkadica 133(1), 21–65. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/akkadica.99619

Rights: © The author