Separate to both the city’s forums, the Roman food market of Leptis Magna was built in 8BC by a wealthy citizen Hannibal Tapapius Rufus. The evidence for this comes from two inscriptions: one in Latin over the entrance of the market and another in neo Punic on the architrave of one of the market’s circular central stalls.
Leptis Magna’s market is a particularly well preserved feature of the Roman city. Many of its features are unique. Along with typical porticoes of shops, the structure had two central circular stalls. Most unique of all, the system used by stall holders for measuring out goods still remains in place today.
The Layout of Leptis Magna’s Market Place
The market was contained in a walled rectangular courtyard that was raised above the street level. Reached by steps off the street, its entrance doors were barred at night. Its original main entrance situated on its south side the symbol of the god Mercury, in his capacity of god of commerce and trade. Other entrances were added later in the markets history
The market consisted of a grey granite portico that ran around its perimeter walls. This portico contained shops on three of its sides. It is believed that the goods on sale were foodstuffs, grain, oil and wine.
The Leptis Magna food market was embellished with statues and many of its buildings were finely decorated, with carved dolphins and griffins adorning the fish stalls. The market place also had an unusual feature. Instead of its centre consisting of open space, it was occupied by two circular stalls.
The Central Market Stalls
These two circular structures were formed by a circle of ionic columns on a raised octagonal base. The easternmost building was constructed from cipolin marble with white marble bases and columns. The stall to the west was originally built from limestone. This was then overlaid with marble during the Severan period.
Both stalls came complete with serving counters that ran around their perimeters. One is believed to have been used for the sale of fresh fish as it was constructed with a pool in its centre, the perfect place to store the goods live.
Roman Weights and Measures
The most original features of the market are found on the west side. Here can be found the counters used for measuring out goods. The stone slabs with different sized holes for cylinders relating to different weights and measure still remain intact. They were most probably used for measuring out grain, oil or other liquids sold in the market place.
Not only with the measuring cylinders survive. Alongside them is a limestone tablet which is carved with details of the types of units of measurements used in the city. The table shows that not only was the Greco-Roman foot used by stall holders in Leptis Magna’s market but also the Punic arm and the Alexandrian cubit. The market at Leptis Magna was not just used by the locals.
Sources:
Leptis Magna by Oriana Dal Bosca (2004). Ananke: Italy
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