Three-pronged Roman brass fork.

Give away a three-pronged Roman brass fork.

Roman fork made of brass, with three prongs



The claim that the fork was not invented until the Middle Ages is a widespread misconception. Although forks were actually only introduced into Western Europe during the Middle Ages (and even later into much of Northern Europe), archaeological finds show that they were already in use in Roman times. However, Roman forks seem to have been much rarer than Roman spoons ( Cochlearia and Ligulae ). In archaeological circles, it is believed that forks were used primarily for serving rather than eating, although it is not excluded that some could also have been used as table forks.



During excavations, examples were unearthed ranging from simple to elaborately crafted in many different shapes, with two, three or even (rarely) four points and different handle designs. Although some rare finds were made from bone, the majority of surviving pieces (which are on display in museums across Europe) are made from base and precious metals such as silver and bronze.



The fork in its simplest, two-pronged form is thought to have its origins in the Roman Empire, where it was used as an improved skewer for garnishing and serving, or for carving meat. Two-pronged forks were probably in use until late antiquity. Three- and four-pronged forks, which were probably also used as cutlery, are largely attributed to late antiquity (ca. 3rd–5th century AD). All variants of fork, regardless of their purpose as carving, serving, or dining forks, are assumed to have been reserved for wealthy citizens of the upper and upper middle classes.



This reproduction of a small three-pronged Roman fork (Latin: fuscinula ) is made of brass. The straight handle with simple but pretty ornamentation ends in a sharp point. This beautiful piece of Roman cutlery is excellent for living history purposes and a lovely addition to any Roman reenactor's kit.



Details:

- Material: brass

- Total length: approx. 13.5cm

- Palette dimensions: approx. 2.8 cm long / 1.4 cm wide

- Weight: approx. 5 g



Legal notice:
Not suitable for direct contact with food.

At Tienda Medieval we have thousands of medieval and other period products. Discover them!