Ancient Rome’s Swiss Army Knife Equivalent

This compound utensil from third century Rome shows that the multi-tool didn’t spring into existence when the Swiss army began issuing its iconic gizmo-packed knives at the end of the nineteenth century. According to the museum description, the parts you see here are a “three-pronged fork, spatula, pick, spike and knife.” And it folds!

(Fitzwilliam Museum via Neatorama)

Have a tip we should know? tips@themarysue.com

Author

Close

Robert Quigley