Ancient Athenian official dry measures with inscriptions

Agora Museum, Athens, Greece

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Material: Terracotta (fired clay)
Date range: 450-425 BC (vessel 1); 350-300 BC (vessel 2); circa 100 BC (vessel 3, not visible)
Origin: Ancient Agora, Athens, Greece

These official dry measures were used to regulate trade in the Athenian marketplace through standardized volumes approved by the state. The inscription meaning “official” (demosion) shows they were certified by civic authorities to ensure fair and honest commerce, linking economic regulation to ideas of justice protected by the gods, especially Athena.

The stamped symbols on one vessel include the head of Athena, a double-bodied owl, and the abbreviation meaning “of the Athenians.” These images gave the measures religious authority, with the owl symbolizing wisdom and vigilance and Athena representing protection over lawful trade.

Used in the Agora, these measures connected everyday commerce with religious responsibility. By using state-approved vessels marked with sacred symbols, merchants took part in an economic system where fairness in trade was seen as both a civic duty and a religious obligation.

Museum label reference:

1. Cylindrical terracotta dry measure with the inscription "official" 450-425 B.C.
2. Cylindrical terracotta dry measure with the inscription "official". On the wall, a stamped head of Athena, a double-bodied owl and the ligature ΑΘΕ 350-300 B.C.
3. Official measure for fruits and nuts with lead seal showing a seated Dionysos ca 100 B.C.

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Cylindrical terracotta dry measures inscribed with official markings and stamped with symbols of Athena, owl, and ligature

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