Roman Cyathiscomele And Probe

A Roman Cyathiscomele and probe, both made of bronze.

A. Length 15.4 cms. Comes with custom made stand.

B. Length 15.7 cms

Date: Circa 1st - 2nd century AD
Condition: Very fine condition.
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SKU: AH-34 Category: Tag:

Option A features a long and narrow scoop and probe. The shaft is plain and undecorated.

Option B is the more elaborate of the two, featuring a decorated shaft with transverse ribbing near the scoop.

The cyathiscomele was used to mix, measure, and apply medicines. It may have been used to remove ointments from their jars and to smooth these ointments on to the affected areas.

Roman medicine was largely religious and holistic. When Greek surgeons and doctors came to Rome in the third century BC, the practice of medicine advanced drastically. The Roman army had permanent doctors and military hospitals, with one usually in each fort. Civilian medicine did not enjoy such impressive progress, due to the overwhelming risks of infection, blood loss, and pain, which were associated with any surgery delving deeper than the surface. The most common ailments that required doctors were those of the skin, digestion, fertility (and contraception), and fractures.

To find out more about Roman medicine please see our relevant blog post: Roman Medicine and Medical Tools.

Weight 29.8 g
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