Sacculus
A saccus (Latin: saccus or sacculus) is a general term for Roman bags and pouches. All intact sacculi that have been found are made of leather, but it is likely that there were also fabric bags. For example, many pieces of fabric have been found in Egypt and Judea, but none of them have been preserved well enough to definitively assert that they were bags. Sacci were most likely used for carrying small household items and food supplies.
A subtype of the saccus specifically for storing money and valuables was the Roman version of a purse - crumina.
Sacci came in various types depending on their intended use. Here are some of them:
- Domestic saccus : Used for storing household items such as tools or food.
- Travel saccus: Carried by travelers and soldiers, used for transporting personal belongings.
- Cult saccus: Used in religious rituals for storing sacred items.
Some saccus were decorated with patterns and embroidery, which added decorative value and indicated the status of their owner. These bags could be used at special events and festivals.
The main materials for making sacci were leather, linen, and wool. Leather sacci were the most durable and long-lasting, while fabric bags could be more lightweight and flexible, but less durable.
Bag from the Augustan era shipwreck in Commaccio (northern Italy). Roman Shipwreck Museum. Early 1st century AD
Bag from the Augustan era shipwreck in Commaccio (northern Italy).Roman Shipwreck Museum. Early 1st century AD
Bag from the cave of letters. Judea. 70-135 ADReconstruction
It is easy to infer that bags were used not only by ancient Romans: this item of everyday use was known in Greece and probably in other ancient civilizations. In historical reconstruction, it is recommended to make pouches and bags out of leather, but fabric bags made of linen or wool can also be sewn. Archaeological finds suggest that the geometry of the bags was simple, and the sizes varied.
Bag from the sunken ship in Commaquio,reconstructionRelated topics
Bag from the Augustan era shipwreck in Commaccio (northern Italy). Roman Shipwreck Museum. Early 1st century AD
Bag from the cave of letters. Judea. 70-135 AD
Bag pattern from the cave of letters. Judea. 70-135 ADInterested in Ancient Rome beyond reading? Join Legio X Fretensis or explore our reenactment directions.
