PR-2237IRE Ancient Rome

Farming – Tools
There was no rapid development of more sophisticated farming tools during the expansion of the
Roman Empire, as there was an abundance of slaves from conquered nations and they carried out
all the manual work. Thus, labour-saving devices were not a priority.
The simple plough, which only made a furrow for the seeds, was gradually improved during the
years of the Empire, probably by the Romans. The heavier wet soils of northern regions of the empire meant
that a heavy coulter blade was added to break up the soil, which was then turned over by the ploughshare behind
it. Seeds were then planted by hand from a basket.
The scythe with an iron blade was used for cutting corn. The sickle was also used but as it had a short handle
using it would have been back-breaking work for farm slaves. The iron prongs in a rake were usually fixed into
a strong wood like oak. The turf cutter was used by soldiers constructing defences around forts in the various
regions of the Empire. Tools like these were excavated from the remains of a fort in Scotland. Repairs to tools
with iron parts were done by metalworkers who would set up their own furnaces.
A Roman innovation was to combine two tools in one—a pick with a spade etc.
TEACHERS
N OTE
‘Some land, when you have ploughed it with oxen and plough, must be ploughed again before you plant
the seed.’
This comment was by Marcus Varrao, a famous first century BC Roman writer whose books on farming have
survived intact. He referred to a Roman method that involved repeated ploughing in a criss-cross pattern to
break the ground into fine soil particles. Oxen were the most common draught animals for ploughs and carts.
Viewing Sample
Activity Suggestion
The class could be asked to compare (written work/diagrams) examples of modern farm tools/machinery
with those used in Roman times.
– 56 – Ancient Rome Prim-Ed Publishing www.prim-ed.com