A ligula was a small Roman instrument with a narrow, cup-shaped scoop, used for various purposes, including as a medical tool for probing wounds, cleaning ears, or administering ointments.
It was part of the standard toolkit of Roman doctors and often found among other surgical instruments in archaeological sites. The versatile design of the ligula reflects the advanced medical practices of ancient Rome, combining practicality with multi-functionality.
Ligulae have been found at Roman military sites like Vindolanda in northern England, where they were likely used by military medics to treat wounded soldiers on the frontiers of the Roman Empire.
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