The earliest scales were invented by ancient Egyptians, more than 7000 years ago. This ancient scale is made of limestone, the beam is 8.5 cm long, and both sides of the fulcrum are equal in length. Weights are also made of limestone, and there are seven sizes.

Around 1350 BC, wooden scales appeared in Egypt. The beams were 30 cm long and the weights were in the shape of small animals and birds made of bronze. In Babylon, heavy objects were shaped like lions and sleeping ducks. At that time, most goldsmiths and jewelers used these scales, which were mainly used to weigh placer gold, medicines and precious stones.

It is said that in the 3rd century BC, the ancient Romans also invented the balance. This strange balance has different lengths on both sides of the fulcrum. In fact, it has become a steelyard. The Romans made pomegranates out of weights, which was very interesting.

In the Middle Ages, Arabs began to use scales. These unscrupulous Arab businessmen seem to have mastered the mystery of the balance. They hollowed out the beam and injected a small amount of mercury. Such a scale can be said to be light, or it can be weighed to cheat customers of their money.