Weight

The upper portion of the weight used in the Kyzikos city-state, in question bears the abbreviation KYZ, which designates its city of origin. The “TUNA FISH” in the mid-section represents the symbol of the city and the letters MNA in the lower section designate the weight unit of 1 mina. Inspired by the weights and measures systems of Mesopotamia, the Greek city states adopted the same unit names for weights. However, they each developed unique weight standards of their own. The Mesopotamian weight unit mana, for instance, was changed to mina. Unit names such as talent and stater were also used. Often made of lead, the weights from this period carried the symbol of the city where it was issued, an abbreviation of the city’s name, the weight unit, and either the full or the partial weight denomination. The practice of inspecting weights and imprinting them with a special mark to show their compliance with the followed standards was introduced for the first time during this period.