sim. SardisM9, p. 77, no. uninv. 68 (M8 346–357, M8 368–378), fig. 368 (J. S. Crawford; Byzantine Shops E 11, before Late Roman-Early Byzantine)
Description
Tripartite rotary mechanism in iron and lead. Three disks of the same diameter, two iron (a, b) and one lead (c), articulate one over other. At center of iron disks are small circular cavities perhaps for rod or linking element that held them together. On outer surface of disk a are eight arc-shaped protrusions arranged in circles on the surface. Uncertain function: Pulley? Wheel? Cylindrical lock?
Preservation description
Nine joining fragments preserve (apparently) three entire contiguous disks but missing central linking element or hub. Slight rust; sparse encrustation.
Published as
Panelas2022, pp. 1070, 1071, 1095-1096, no. 724, fig. 22.15
Maximum diameter
0.068
Thickness
0.034
Chronology comment
Context: mid-late 1st century CE
Explanation of deposition
Represents construction of or funerary activity inside Building C1.
