Measures of volume were used to measure liquids and especially grain and other bulk solids (dates, etc.). Therefore, they were employed in the administration of grain, including the issuing of rations. According to cuneiform sources, ordinary measuring vessels (especially the sea) were made of wood. Special measures for liquids can only be identified locally with a standard ‘vessel’ usually containing 20 or 30 litres. Despite all temporal and local di…
Cite this page
Sallaberger, Walther (Leipzig),
Felber, Heinz (Leipzig) and
Schulzki, Heinz-Joachim (Mannheim),
“Measure of volume”, in:
Brill’s New Pauly, Antiquity volumes edited by: Hubert Cancik and , Helmuth Schneider, English Edition by: Christine F. Salazar, Classical Tradition volumes edited by: Manfred Landfester, English Edition by: Francis G. Gentry.
Consulted online on 22 March 2023 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1574-9347_bnp_e516280>