The Weight Standards of the Hellenistic Levant, Part Two: The Evidence of the Phoenician Scale Weights

Abstract

Lead weights from Hellenistic Phoenicia are presented in several tables, geographically from
north to south. The units and standards on which they were based are deduced from inscriptions.
General remarks on the clear or possible standards are presented, as well as relations between
them and brief conclusions or suggestions. The array of standards is evidence for a significant
degree of autonomy of the cities of Phoenicia. The origins of some of these standards — drachms,
sheqels and minas — are briefly listed.