September 2004
Page 124

The cylindrical box of Antoninus Pius — Part 1

Analysis of the small Roman bronze ‘cylindrical box’ with pierced disks in Vienna; interprets the object as a portable/rolling sundial (viatoria pensilia), applies Padre Secchi calculations and discusses mounting/suspension possibilities and function.
Dials: Portable, Dials: Unusual, Historical Dials

P. A. Auber

December 2004
Page 143

The cylindrical box of Antoninus Pius — part 2

Concluding analysis of the Roman cylindrical portable dial/box. Examines iconography, construction hypotheses (lateral hole or pivot gnomon), latitude and use-mode limitations, accuracy concerns and comparisons with related museum pieces; concludes it is plausibly a status object with limited gnomonic precision.
Dials: Portable, Dials: Unusual, Historical Dials

P. A. Auber