The Roman measurements and units did not follow a decimal system. Instead, the Romans based length measurements on the proportions of the human body. The units for weight and volume were based on a system of twelve, the smallest unit of which was the ounce (0,27 grams or 0,27 liters).
1 pound = 12 ounces; 1 cup = 12 ounces
Ancient Rome used also a different currency system. But that is a story for another time. Let`s now look at the different Roman measurements and units for length and volume!
Roman Meassurements for Lenght
| 1 Mile (mille passuum) | 1000 Double steps | 4858,8 ft / 1481 m |
| 1 Double step (passus) | 5 Roman feet | 4,85 ft / 1,48 m |
| 1 Foot (pes) | 4 Hands | 11,64 in / 29,57 cm |
| 1 Hand (palmus) | 4 Fingers | 2,9 in / 7,39 cm |
| 1 Finger (digitus) | ——– | 0,72 in / 1,84 cm |
Roman Volume Units
| 1 Bag | 160 Bowls | 138,4 gal / 524 l |
| 1 Bowl | 12 Cups | 10,38 gal / 39,29 l |
| 1 Cup | 12 Ounces | 0,86 gal / 3,27 l |
| 1 Ounce | ———- | 0,07 gal / 0,27 l |
Do you also want to learn about the prices and wages in Ancient Rome? Then please check out my article here!
Take care of yourself because you deserve it. You really do.
Until next time
Yours truly
Luke Reitzer
Sources
Paul Erdkamp: The Cambridge companion to ancient Rome.*
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