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01/26/2017 06:00 PM
ISAW Lecture Hall
Exhibition Lecture: Geographical Portable Sundials
Reliable Instruments or Roman Fashion Statements?
Richard Talbert
This lecture considers one type of Roman sundial represented in the exhibition that has not been sufficiently appreciated from geographical, cultural, and social perspectives. These are the miniature bronze instruments fitted with adjustable rings to accommodate the changes of latitude liable to occur during long journeys. This lecture will explore the possibility that often they were valued not so much for practical use, but rather as prestige objects.