EPISODE · Jan 29, 2026 · 35 MIN
A postie, an emperor, and a 2,000-year-old grain measure
from The English Heritage Podcast · host English Heritage
What could a postal worker, a murdered emperor, and a Roman grain measure possibly have in common? In this episode of The English Heritage Podcast, Amy Matthews is joined by Dr Francis McIntosh to explore a remarkably well-preserved Roman modius, or grain measure. Discovered by pure chance in 1915 near Hadrian’s Wall, this object carries an extraordinary story. An official measuring vessel, the modius opens a window into everyday life on the empire’s northern frontier. It tells of Roman bureaucracy and standardisation – and a possible case of fraud. On top of that, a scratched-out inscription also reveals political assassination and the chilling practice of damnatio memoriae. Don’t forget to follow this podcast and leave a review if you love the show. Join English Heritage: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/join/ Podcast listeners can get 20% off the first year of an annual membership. Use code POD20 at checkout.* Support our work: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/support-us/ The English Heritage Trust is a charity, no. 1140351, and a limited company, no. 07447221, registered in England and Wales. *Offer is available through the use of this code and valid for new memberships by annual Direct Debit only. It cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion, on life memberships or renewals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What this episode covers
What could a postal worker, a murdered emperor, and a Roman grain measure possibly have in common? In this episode of The English Heritage Podcast, Amy Matthews is joined by Dr Francis McIntosh to explore a remarkably well-preserved Roman modius, or grain measure. Discovered by pure chance in 1915 near Hadrian’s Wall, this object carries an extraordinary story. An official measuring vessel, the modius opens a window into everyday life on the empire’s northern frontier. It tells of Roman bureaucracy and standardisation – and a possible case of fraud. On top of that, a scratched-out inscription also reveals political assassination and the chilling practice of damnatio memoriae. Don’t forget to follow this podcast and leave a review if you love the show. Join English Heritage: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/join/ Podcast listeners can get 20% off the first year of an annual membership. Use code POD20 at checkout.* Support our work: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/support-us/ The English Heritage Trust is a charity, no. 1140351, and a limited company, no. 07447221, registered in England and Wales. *Offer is available through the use of this code and valid for new memberships by annual Direct Debit only. It cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion, on life memberships or renewals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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A postie, an emperor, and a 2,000-year-old grain measure
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