Umbraculum, Parasol. (From an ancient Vase.)
UNCIA (ὀγκία, οὐγκία, οὐγγία), the twelfth part of the [As] or [Libra], is derived by Varro from unus, as being the unit of the divisions of the as. Its value as a weight was 433·666 grains, or ¾ of an ounce and 105·36 grains avoirdupois. [[Libra].] In connecting the Roman system of weights and money with the Greek another division of the uncia was used. When the drachma was introduced into the Roman system as equivalent to the denarius of 96 to the pound [[Denarius]; [Drachma]], the uncia contained 8 drachmae, the drachma 3 scrupula, the scrupulum 2 oboli (since 6 oboli made up the drachma), and the obolos 3 siliquae (κερατία). In this division we have the origin of the modern Italian system, in which the pound is divided into 12 ounces, the ounce into 3 drams, the dram into 3 scruples, and the scruple into 6 carats. In each of these systems 1728 κερατία, siliquae, or carats, make up the pound. The Romans applied the uncial division to all kinds of magnitude. [[As].] In length the uncia was the twelfth of a foot, whence the word inch [[Pes]], in area the twelfth of a jugerum [[Jugerum]], in content the twelfth of a sextarius [[Sextarius]; [Cyathus]], in time the twelfth of an hour.
UNCIĀRĬUM FĒNUS. [[Fenus].]
UNCTŌRES. [[Balneum].]
UNGUENTA, ointments, oils, or salves. The application of unguenta in connection with the bathing and athletic contests of the ancients is stated under [Balneum] and [Athletae]. But although their original object was simply to preserve the health and elasticity of the human frame, they were in later times used as articles of luxury. They were then not only employed to impart to the body or hair a particular colour, but also to give to them the most beautiful fragrance possible; they were, moreover, not merely applied after a bath, but at any time, to render one’s appearance or presence more pleasant than usual. In short, they were used then as oils and pomatums are at present. At Rome these luxuries did not become very general till towards the end of the republic, while the Greeks appear to have been familiar with them from early times. The wealthy Greeks and Romans carried their ointments and perfumes with them, especially when they bathed, in small boxes of costly materials and beautiful workmanship, which were called Narthecia. The traffic which was carried on in these ointments and perfumes in several towns of Greece and southern Italy was very considerable. The persons engaged in manufacturing them were called by the Romans Unguentarii, or, as they frequently were women, Unguentariae, and the art of manufacturing them Unguentaria. In the wealthy and effeminate city of Capua there was one great street, called the Seplasia, which consisted entirely of shops in which ointments and perfumes were sold.
ŪRĀGUS. [[Centurio].]
URCĔUS, a pitcher or water-pot, generally made of earthenware, was used by the priests at Rome in the sacrifices, and thus appears with other sacrificial emblems on Roman coins.
Urceus and Lituus on obverse of Coin of Pompey.