Many units of measurements in the modern western world (UK and USA), have a direct relationship dating back to the Romans. The modern mile, pound (lb for libra) and ounce (uncia) are all directly traceable. Some other similarities, such as the width of rail road rails, is said to correspond directly to groove marks left in Roman roads, but this theory is widely debated.
The following chart lists the basic units of measurements used by the Romans. It is interesting to see how the American and old British systems, as tedious as it can be vs. the Metric, is so closely related.
Roman
Weights and Measures |
Weight
Measurements |
Unit |
Roman
Equivelant |
Description |
Modern |
Libra |
12 uncia |
Meaning balance. The abbreviation
for the modern pound (lb.) has its roots directly to the Roman unit. |
3/4 pound or 336 grams. |
As |
6 uncia |
Also the base unit of the
Roman coinage system. |
none |
Uncia |
Base Unit |
Both modern inch and ounce
are derived from the Roman uncia. |
1 modern ounce or 28 grams. |
|