Roman Blacksmiths

ROMAN (Top and middle) First or second century, AD. Note twin pipes from the bellows shield, apparently joined at the nozzle, supplying air to a roofed forge. The smith sits at a block anvil of considerable size. To the right are tongs, hammer, a spearhead and a lock.

Fourth or fifth century, AD. The assistant stands behind the bellows shield while the smith stands at the anvil. [From A History of Private Life (From Pagan Rome to Byzantium); Paul Veyne, Editor; 1987, Belknap Press of Harvard University Press; ISBN 0-674-39975-7]

Provided by Bruce "Atli" Blackistone, images enhanced by Jock Dempsey Oct. 20, 2005

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