Sun Dial

Sundial with portrait bust. Restored: patches on four front corners. Bust shows a male figure, draped, wearing a close-fitting cap. Ashmole suggested it represents someone who invented or improved the sundial, perhaps Pherecydes of Sygros. The lines show the Roman day-time in 12 equal parts. The end of the original gnomon (now lost) was at the centre of the sphere. The sundial was placed by Blundell on an 18th century pillar with relief and inscription (59.148.128b) which is not currently on display.