Roman billhooks

The billhook was in use in Britain before the Roman invasion of 50AD. It was common in most Roman provinces, and probably developed from those used in the earlier Greek civilisation. Those in the Mediterranean probably followed the Greek model, but it is probable that the tool was developed further by Roman iron-masters and blacksmiths to provide a range of tools for different tasks. Caol mentions four different types for use in a vineyard.

 

Many examples of Roman tools survive, from those found beneath the ashes of Pompei, to those found in ruins of Roman villas. Often illustrations on frescoes or mosaics, or statues, can be seen with a billhook in the hand of a God (e.g. Saturnus) or a humble vineyard worker...

Pre-Roman era, Iron Age, billhooks from the Glastonbury Lake Villages in Somerset, England. Similar socketed billhooks are still found today in Morocco and southern Spain.

Not Roman, but a 20th century example from Spain, showing how this type has remained unchanged for over 2000 years.

This one from Finland, also 20th century - without provenance it is difficult to identify a tool just by its shape.

This one from 21st century Turkey - it was batch produced in a small forge - given a few years rust and usage, it would be virtually indistinguishable from those above...

Roman era from Lakenheath (UK) - British Museum collection.

Roman era, Seine & Marne region of France. Note the similarities with the one from Hod Hill (UK) above..

This one also from France - probably Roman, but we will never know!! It was found by a young lad with a metal detector. He posted the images on a French detector's forum, where I found it.  By the time I contacted him he had thrown it away as valueless. He had no idea of its historical value...

Roman period 'rebmesser' (vine pruning hooks) from Brauneberg, Leiwen (the Moselle region) Germany

Roman era from the Balkans - actual location unknown as many items are being dug during mine clearance operations and then finding their way via German sellers to the USA.

Roman, 1st century AD, from Egypt. Vine pruning hooks with iron handles with a ring are common throughout the Roman Empire, even in Britain where vines were grown at that time.

A Byzantine (Eastern Roman Empire) vine pruning hook from the late Middle Ages.

A modern copy (by Daegrad Tools) of a Roman era vine pruning hook found at Silchester in Britain.