What was a medimnos in the context of ancient Greek measurement?

A medimnos was an ancient Greek unit of volume, primarily utilized for measuring dry commodities such as food grains.

What specific type of commodity was most commonly measured using the medimnos?

The medimnos was generally employed as a measure for dry food grains.

What was the approximate volume of a medimnos in Attica?

In the region of Attica, a medimnos was equivalent to approximately 51.84 liters.

Did the volume of a medimnos vary across different ancient Greek regions?

Yes, the volume represented by a medimnos was frequently subject to regional variations throughout ancient Greece.

How did the volume of a medimnos in Sparta compare to that in Attica?

The Spartan medimnos was notably larger than its Attic counterpart, measuring approximately 71.16 liters, whereas the Attic medimnos was about 51.84 liters.

What smaller units could a medimnos be divided into?

A medimnos could be subdivided into several smaller units, including the tritaios (one third), the hekteus (one sixth), the hemiektos (one twelfth), the choinix (one forty-eighth), and the kotyle, which was approximately 0.27 liters.

From which ancient Greek city-state did the medimnos unit of measurement originate?

The medimnos unit of measurement originated in the ancient city-state of Corinth.

Which significant Greek city-states adopted the medimnos after its initial development?

Following its origin in Corinth, the medimnos was adopted by Classical Athens and Megara, as well as numerous other Greek poleis (city-states).

How did the medimnos play a role in Solon's Timocratic Constitution in Athens?

Around 595 BCE, the medimnos was instrumental in Solon's establishment of the Timocratic Constitution in Athens. Specific quantities of grain, measured in medimnoi, were required as tax payments to qualify for certain social ranks and statuses.

Given that taxes could be paid in various foodstuffs, how was the value of the medimnos maintained in Solon's system?

To ensure fairness when taxes could be paid in diverse items like crops, wine, meat, or fish, the actual volume of the payment had to be adjusted based on its relative market value at the time of payment, maintaining the intended equivalence of the medimnos.

What was the standardized volume of the medimnos after the reforms in the second century BCE?

Following reforms implemented in the second century BCE, the medimnos was standardized to a volume of 58.92 liters.

How did the relationship between the kotyle and the medimnos change after the second-century BCE reforms?

After the second-century BCE reforms, the kotyle's fractional relationship to the medimnos was adjusted, becoming 1/238 of a medimnos.

What is the estimated weight of a medimnos when filled with wheat?

The weight of a medimnos is currently estimated to be approximately 40 kilograms when it contains wheat.

What is the estimated weight of a medimnos when filled with barley?

When measuring barley, the weight of a medimnos is estimated to be around 31 kilograms.

Why is the difference in weight between a medimnos of wheat and a medimnos of barley significant?

The difference in weight is significant because it impacts calculations related to tribute and provisions; the same volume measure (a medimnos) represents different actual weights depending on the commodity, affecting economic assessments.

What was the estimated annual grain consumption for an active adult male in the sixth century BCE?

Based on historical estimates, an active adult male in the sixth century BCE would have required approximately eight medimnoi of grain per year for consumption.

How many medimnoi of grain were estimated to be consumed annually by a typical young family?

A typical young family, comprising a father, mother, and three children, was estimated to consume around 25 medimnoi of grain each year.

According to consumption estimates, how many families could the amount of grain required for a high rank feed?

The quantity of grain needed to secure a very high rank, based on estimated annual consumption, was sufficient to feed approximately 20 families.

What did Herodotus record about the daily income of the Satrap of Assyria, Tritantaechmes?

According to Herodotus, Tritantaechmes, the Satrap of Assyria during the reign of Xerxes II of Persia, received a daily income equivalent to just over one medimnos of silver.

What was the approximate liquid volume equivalent of the daily silver income mentioned by Herodotus?

The daily income of just over one medimnos of silver received by Tritantaechmes was equivalent to approximately 55 liters.

According to Polybius, what were the monthly wheat rations for Roman infantrymen during the Punic Wars?

Polybius documented that infantrymen in the Roman army during the Punic Wars received two thirds of an Attic medimnos of wheat each month.

What were the monthly grain rations for Roman cavalry during the Punic Wars, as described by Polybius?

Polybius reported that the cavalry in the Roman army during the Punic Wars received seven medimnoi of barley and two medimnoi of wheat per month.

How did the monthly grain rations for allied cavalry compare to Roman cavalry during the Punic Wars, according to Polybius?

Polybius noted that the cavalry of the allied armies received one and a medimnos and a third of wheat along with five medimnoi of barley each month, differing from the rations provided to Roman cavalry.

What historical event led Josephus to mention the distribution of grain measured in medimnoi during Herod the Great's reign?

Josephus mentioned the distribution of grain in the context of a severe drought that caused the land to become barren and unable to produce fruit during the 13th year of Herod the Great's reign.

According to Josephus, how much grain was distributed to foreigners and within Herod's kingdom to alleviate the drought?

Josephus recorded that 10,000 cori of wheat, with each cor being equivalent to ten Attic medimnoi, were given to foreigners, and an additional 80,000 cori were distributed within Herod's own kingdom.

What linguistic origin did Epiphanius of Salamis propose for the term 'medimnos'?

Epiphanius of Salamis suggested that the term 'medimnos' might originate from the Latin word 'medium,' which translates to 'middle'.

How did the volume of a medimnos differ between Salamis and Paphos in Cyprus, according to Epiphanius?

Epiphanius observed regional variation within Cyprus, stating that the people of Salamis used a medimnos equivalent to 5 Roman modii, while those in Paphos and Sicilians measured it as 4.5 modii.

What units of length are mentioned in the context of Hellenic measurement?

The context lists several ancient Greek units of length, including the pous, plethron, stade, milion, parasang, and schoenus.

Besides length and volume, what other type of Hellenic measurement is noted?

In addition to units for length and volume like the medimnos, the 'Salamis Stone' is mentioned as another type of Hellenic measurement.

What does the existence of various Hellenic measurement units suggest about the system?

The diversity of Hellenic measurement units, covering length, volume, and specific items like the Salamis Stone, indicates a complex system developed to meet the practical needs of ancient Greek society in areas such as construction, agriculture, trade, and administration.

What is the primary distinction between a dry measure unit like the medimnos and a liquid measure?

A dry measure unit, such as the medimnos, is designed to quantify granular or powdery solids like grains, whereas liquid measures are intended for fluids. The medimnos specifically measured dry food grains.

What was the broader societal purpose of Solon's reforms that incorporated the medimnos?

Solon's reforms, including the use of the medimnos in his Timocratic Constitution, aimed to restructure Athenian society and economy by linking citizenship and social status to economic contribution and agricultural capacity.

What does Polybius's detailed account of Roman army rations reveal about the medimnos?

Polybius's account demonstrates that the Attic medimnos served as a standard unit for calculating military provisions, even for allied troops, highlighting its importance in the logistical planning of the Roman army during the Punic Wars.

What do the large quantities mentioned by Josephus (10,000 and 80,000 cori) signify in the context of grain distribution?

These large figures, expressed in cori (a unit derived from medimnoi), signify immense quantities of grain, underscoring the scale of potential famine relief efforts and the substantial agricultural output required for managing crises and sustaining populations.

What is the significance of Epiphanius's observation regarding the potential Latin origin of 'medimnos'?

Epiphanius's linguistic note suggests possible cultural exchange or influence between Greek and Roman terminology for measurements, potentially indicating shared administrative practices or trade relationships between the two cultures.

What is the function of the 'Hellenic measurement' navigation box within the source material?

The 'Hellenic measurement' navigation box serves to organize and link various related units of measurement used in ancient Greece, providing a structured overview of different measures for length, volume, and other categories.

How did the kotyle relate to the medimnos in terms of scale?

The kotyle was a significantly smaller unit compared to the medimnos, initially representing 1/48th of a medimnos and later 1/238th after the second-century BCE reforms. It was akin to a small, individual serving size versus the bulk measure of the medimnos.

Can you provide another example of regional variation in the medimnos?

Yes, Epiphanius noted that in Cyprus, the medimnos varied: the people of Salamis used a measure equivalent to 5 Roman modii, while those in Paphos and Sicilians used 4.5 modii.

What does the term 'medimnos' translate to in English?

The term 'medimnos' translates to an ancient Greek unit of volume.

What was the approximate volume of a medimnos in Attica in liters?

In Attica, a medimnos was approximately equal to 51.84 liters.

What was the approximate volume of a medimnos in Sparta in liters?

The Spartan medimnos was approximately equal to 71.16 liters.

What is the Greek spelling of medimnos?

The Greek spelling of medimnos is μέδιμνος.

What is the plural form of medimnos in Greek?

The plural form of medimnos in Greek is μέδιμνοι.

What was the approximate volume of a medimnos after the second-century BCE reforms?

After reforms in the second century BCE, the medimnos was set at 58.92 liters.

What was the approximate weight of a medimnos of barley?

A medimnos of barley is believed to weigh approximately 31 kilograms.

What was the approximate weight of a medimnos of wheat?

A medimnos of wheat is believed to weigh approximately 40 kilograms.

What was the role of the medimnos in ancient Athenian taxation under Solon?

Under Solon's Timocratic Constitution, specific amounts of grain measured in medimnoi were required as tax payments to secure certain ranks or social statuses in Athens.

What does the mention of 'relative value' in relation to medimnos taxes imply?

The mention of 'relative value' implies that taxes paid in medimnoi could be settled with various foodstuffs, and the actual volume of the payment needed adjustment based on the fluctuating market worth of different goods to maintain the tax's intended value.

How did Epiphanius of Salamis relate the medimnos to Roman units?

Epiphanius of Salamis noted that in Cyprus, the medimnos varied, with Salamis using a measure of 5 Roman modii and Paphos/Sicilians using 4.5 modii, suggesting a comparison or conversion between Greek and Roman dry measures.

What specific context did Josephus provide for the large distribution of grain measured in medimnoi?

Josephus provided context of a severe drought during Herod the Great's reign, which rendered the ground barren, necessitating the import and distribution of large quantities of grain measured in units derived from the medimnos.

Medimnos Wiki: Ancient Measures Unveiled: The Medimnos and Its Significance

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The Medimnos: A Unit of Volume

Definition and Primary Use

The medimnos (Ancient Greek: μέδιμνος, médimnos) was a significant unit of volume within the Ancient Greek system of measurement. Its primary application was in quantifying dry commodities, most notably food grains, which formed the bedrock of ancient economies and sustenance.^[1]

Regional Variations in Volume

While serving a common purpose, the precise volume of a medimnos was subject to considerable regional variation across the Hellenic world. In the influential region of Attica, a medimnos was standardized at approximately 51.84 litres. However, other city-states employed different calibrations; for instance, the Spartan medimnos was notably larger, approximating 71.16 litres.^[2]^[3]

Subdivisions and Smaller Measures

The medimnos was not merely a standalone unit but also served as a basis for smaller, fractional measures, facilitating finer transactions and allocations. These subdivisions included:

Tritaios: One-third of a medimnos.
Hekteus: One-sixth of a medimnos.
Hemiektos: One-twelfth of a medimnos.
Choinix: One-forty-eighth of a medimnos.
Kotyle: A smaller unit, approximately 0.27 litres, representing a fraction of the medimnos (its exact fractional value varied with reforms).^[4]

Historical Context and Adoption

Origins and Spread

The medimnos unit is believed to have originated in the influential city-state of Corinth. From Corinth, its utility and standardization led to its adoption by other prominent Greek poleis (city-states), including Classical Athens and Megara, becoming a widely recognized measure across the Hellenic world.^[5]

Solon's Timocratic Constitution

The medimnos played a pivotal role in the socio-political reforms enacted by Solon in Athens around 595 BCE. His establishment of a Timocratic Constitution utilized the medimnos as a basis for taxation and social stratification. Citizens were required to pay specific quantities of grain as tax to attain certain ranks or social statuses. For example, a substantial payment of 500 medimnoi was necessary to qualify for the rank of military commander, whereas a lesser amount, 200 medimnoi or fewer, sufficed for an agricultural worker.^[5]

Crucially, Solon's system allowed for tax payments in various common foodstuffs, including agricultural crops, wine, meat, and fish. This necessitated an adjustment mechanism, where the actual volume of the medimnos equivalent would be determined by its relative market value at the time of payment, reflecting a sophisticated understanding of economic valuation.^[5]

Later Reforms and Weight Estimation

Second Century BCE Adjustments

Significant adjustments to the medimnos occurred in the second century BCE. Following these reforms, the standard volume of the medimnos was recalibrated to 58.92 litres. Concurrently, most of its smaller subdivisions retained their proportional values, with the notable exception of the kotyle, which was redefined to represent 1/238 of the revised medimnos.^[3]

Estimating Weight

Determining the precise weight of a medimnos is challenging due to variations in commodity density. Current scholarly estimations suggest that a medimnos of wheat would weigh approximately 40 kilograms. For barley, a less dense grain, the estimated weight is around 31 kilograms. These figures are vital for understanding the logistical and economic implications of tribute and trade.^[5]

Consumption and Societal Scale

Annual Sustenance Needs

Estimates suggest that an active adult male in sixth-century BCE Athens required approximately eight medimnoi of grain annually for sustenance. A typical female would consume a slightly lesser amount. Extrapolating from these figures, a young family unit, comprising a father, mother, and three children, would have collectively consumed roughly 25 medimnoi per year.^[5]

Economic Implications of Rank

The substantial tax payments required for high social or political ranks underscore the scale of wealth and resource control in ancient Athens. The payment necessary to attain a very high rank could, by these estimations, sustain approximately 20 families annually. This highlights the medimnos not just as a measure of volume but as a proxy for economic power and social standing.^[5]

Insights from Ancient Texts

Herodotus and Silver Tribute

The historian Herodotus records that during the reign of Xerxes II, the Satrap of Assyria, Tritantaechmes, received a daily income equivalent to just over one medimnos of silver. This amount is estimated to be approximately 55 litres, indicating the medimnos was also used metaphorically or as a benchmark for monetary wealth.^[6]

Polybius and Military Rations

According to the historian Polybius, during the Punic Wars, Roman army rations were quantified using the medimnos. Infantrymen received two-thirds of an Attic medimnos of wheat monthly, while cavalry received seven medimnoi of barley and two of wheat. Allied forces had similar allocations, with cavalry receiving one and a third medimnoi of wheat and five medimnoi of barley.^[7]

Josephus and Herod's Grain Distribution

The historian Josephus documents a period of drought during the reign of Herod the Great. To alleviate hardship, Herod petitioned the prefect of Egypt for grain. The distribution involved 10,000 cori of wheat (each corus being ten Attic medimnoi) for foreigners, and an additional 80,000 medimnoi distributed within Herod's own kingdom, illustrating the medimnos's role in large-scale state provisioning.^[8]

Epiphanius and Roman Influence

Epiphanius of Salamis discussed the medimnos, suggesting its name might derive from the Roman word "medium" (middle). He noted variations in its usage, particularly in Cyprus, where the medimnos in Salamis equated to 5 modii, while in Paphos and Sicily, it was measured as 4½ modii, indicating evolving interpretations and influences.^[9]

Contextualizing Hellenic Measurement

Linear Measures

Beyond volume, the Greeks developed standardized units for length:

Pous: The foot, a fundamental unit.
Plethron: A measure of length, often equivalent to 100 pous.
Stadion: The length of a stadium, typically 600 pous.
Milion: The Roman mile, adapted into Greek usage.
Parasang: A Persian unit adopted by Greeks, often around 30 stades.
Schoenus: A unit used for land measurement, varying regionally.

Other Measures and Artifacts

The system extended to other forms of measurement and significant artifacts:

Salamis Stone: An ancient artifact inscribed with Attic standard measures, providing tangible evidence of these units.

These units collectively formed the framework for commerce, construction, and administration in the ancient Hellenic world.

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References

In ancient Greece, measures of capacity varied depending on whether they were being used to measure solids or liquids. (G.Rachet e M.F.Rachet, Dizionario Larousse della civiltÃ greca, op. cit.)

Pesos y medidas en Grecia y Roma

Histories (Herodotus) 1.192.2-3

The Histories (Polybius) 6.39.12

Josephus, Antiquities (15.11.2)

A full list of references for this article are available at the Medimnos Wikipedia page

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Important Notice Regarding Historical Data

This document has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, synthesizing information from historical sources, primarily the provided Wikipedia article on the Medimnos. It is intended for academic and educational purposes, offering a structured overview for higher education students.

This is not a substitute for scholarly research. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, historical data can be complex and subject to interpretation. The content presented here is based on a specific interpretation of available data and may not encompass all nuances or scholarly debates.

Users are strongly encouraged to consult primary sources, peer-reviewed academic literature, and expert historical analysis for comprehensive and definitive understanding. The creators of this page are not responsible for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information provided.

Ancient Measures Unveiled

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

The Medimnos: A Unit of Volume ⚖️

🌾 Definition and Primary Use

🌍 Regional Variations in Volume

🔢 Subdivisions and Smaller Measures

Historical Context and Adoption 📜

🏛️ Origins and Spread

⚖️ Solon's Timocratic Constitution

Later Reforms and Weight Estimation 📈

🔄 Second Century BCE Adjustments

⚖️ Estimating Weight

Consumption and Societal Scale 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

🍽️ Annual Sustenance Needs

💰 Economic Implications of Rank

Insights from Ancient Texts 📖

✍️ Herodotus and Silver Tribute

⚔️ Polybius and Military Rations

👑 Josephus and Herod's Grain Distribution

🗣️ Epiphanius and Roman Influence

Contextualizing Hellenic Measurement 🔗

📏 Linear Measures

🏺 Other Measures and Artifacts

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References

📜 References

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To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Academic Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice Regarding Historical Data

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

The Medimnos: A Unit of Volume

Definition and Primary Use

Regional Variations in Volume

Subdivisions and Smaller Measures

Historical Context and Adoption

Origins and Spread

Solon's Timocratic Constitution

Later Reforms and Weight Estimation

Second Century BCE Adjustments

Estimating Weight

Consumption and Societal Scale

Annual Sustenance Needs

Economic Implications of Rank

Insights from Ancient Texts

Herodotus and Silver Tribute

Polybius and Military Rations

Josephus and Herod's Grain Distribution

Epiphanius and Roman Influence

Contextualizing Hellenic Measurement

Linear Measures

Other Measures and Artifacts

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice Regarding Historical Data