Volcanic stone; (top) 17 x Ø 35 cm; (bottom) 14 x Ø 35 cm
S.N.I.
Pompeii I,10,7, House of the Blacksmith, atrium (1932)
First century AD

The millstone is made up of a fixed portion (meta) upon which is placed a biconical funnel (catillus). The grain is poured into the upper cone of the funnel while the lower part grinds it by its action against the meta. The movement was powered by means of a handle inserted laterally into the catillus. In many Pompeian houses were found medium sized millstones which attest to the domestic production of flour.