Sizzling Sundial: The Pocket-sized Timepiece Unearthed in Ancient Herculaneum
Portable Sundial Artifact Shaped Like a Ham: Potentially Once Possessed by Father-in-law of Julius Caesar, Before Mt. Vesuvius' Eruption
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Step aside, pocket watches, because a tiny bronze sundial named the "Prosciutto di Portici" gives them a run for their money! Discovered in ruins beneath Vesuvius in 1755, this 2,000-year-old timepiece is not only cute but also incredibly intriguing.
This silver-plated artifact is shaped like a ham, boasting markings that aided its ancient owners in keeping track of the sun's position. It measures about 4.4 by 3 inches (11.3 by 7.8 cm) and carries the charm of a swine-inspired hour hand, which sadly broke off during excavation.
In the beginning, archaeologists mistook this tiny ham for a miniature sculpture, oblivious to its true identity. But a closer look revealed the object's ingenious nature. It was none other than a Roman sundial, a fascinating remnant that has kept historians captivated for over two centuries.
So, what's the big deal about this "pork clock"? Not only does it represent the peak of Roman artisanship, but it also offers a glimpse into the daily lives of ancient civilizations.
According to various experts, the horizontal lines represent hours before or after sunset. Meanwhile, the seven vertical lines represent the months of the zodiac calendar, and the Latin letters below abbreviate the 12 months in the Roman calendar.
The most exciting detail? One of the letters stands for Augustus, indicating the sundial was made after Rome renamed the month of Sextilis to Augustus honoring their first emperor.
But here's the kicker—the Prosciutto di Portici was found in the Villa of the Papyri, believed to be owned by L. Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus, father-in-law of none other than Julius Caesar! If true, this means the sundial had some serious connections to the Roman elite. Epicureans, known for their pursuit of pleasure, often saw the lowly pig as a symbol. Could the sundial's shape be an homage to this long-standing metaphor?
Sundials are famous for their accuracy, but they need a precise location calibration to shine. Though earlier scholars claimed an error of only a couple minutes, recent findings suggest tens of minutes inaccuracies may exist.
Despite its quirky design, the Prosciutto di Portici isn't a precision instrument. Instead, it serves as a piece of distinction and an ancient jewel of craftsmanship—an elegant accessory to keep time and raise a toast to the gods.
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Bonus Facts:🌟 The Prosciutto di Portici pre-dates the famous Ram in the Thicket gold statue from Ur, dating back to around 4,500 years ago.🌟 The book exploring the Prosciutto di Portici was published in 2024 by Christopher Parslow, an archaeologist, and art historian from Wesleyan University.🌟 A 3D scan of the Prosciutto di Portici shows that it could have been used to tell time to the half or quarter-hour.🌟 The Prosciutto di Portici is currently on display at Italy's National Archaeological Museum in Naples.
The Prosciutto di Portici, despite being older than the Ram in the Thicket gold statue from Ur, is not a precision instrument like many modern-day devices born out of the realms of science and technology. However, the book published in 2024 by Christopher Parslow, an archaeologist and art historian from Wesleyan University, reveals that a 3D scan of the Prosciutto di Portici suggests it could have been used to tell time to the half or quarter-hour, thus showcasing the ingenuity and craftsmanship that spans from ancient times to advanced technology.
