Couteau à lame pliante

sketchfab

This small knife was found in the fill that obstructed the Roman baths' drain on the Esplanade, where it had likely been lost by its owner at the time of the establishment's abandonment around 220-230. Its broad rounded blade suggests it could have been used, among other things, to cut reeds (used for writing). The iron blade and silver ferrule indicate a high level of craftsmanship, while the ivory handle speaks to the knife's value as an object. Dating back to the 2nd or 3rd century, this artifact measures approximately 7.06 inches in length, with a blade width of 3.41 inches and a height of 1.85 inches. It was discovered in Arles on the Esplanade des Lices in 2000, and assigned the catalog number ESP.2000.172.1.