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SA´RCULUM

SA´RCULUM (a sarriendo, Varro, L. L. 5.31, σκαλίς, σκαλιστήριον), a hoe. (Hor. Od. 1.1, 11; Ovid, Ov. Met. 11.36, Fast. 1.699, 4.927; Plaut. Truc. 2.2, 21; Cato, de Re Rust. 10; Columella, 10.21.) It was lighter than the MARRA (compare Plin. Nat. 17.146, 19.241), and was sometimes a simple blade, sometimes two-pronged (Pallad. 1.43). It was also used like the RASTRUM to cover the seed when sown (Columella, 2.11), and in mountainous countries it served instead of a plough (Plin. Nat. 18.19.178). Directions for using it to clear the surface of the ground (σκάλλειν, Hdt. 2.14; σκαλεύειν, Schol. in Theocrit. 10.14) are given by Palladius (de Re Rust. 2.9). See also Juv. 15.166, and Mayor's note.

[J.Y] [G.E.M]

hide References (5 total)
  • Cross-references from this page (5):
    • Herodotus, Histories, 2.14
    • Homer, Odyssey, 1.1
    • Homer, Odyssey, 1.11
    • Ovid, Metamorphoses, 11.36
    • Pliny the Elder, Naturalis Historia, 18.19
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