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The theta nigrum ("black A Dictionary of Latin Phrases
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The theta nigrum ("black theta
Theta (, ; uppercase: Θ or ; lowercase: θ or ; grc, ''thē̂ta'' ; Modern: ''thī́ta'' ) is the eighth letter of the Greek alphabet, derived from the Phoenician letter Teth . In the system of Greek numerals, it has a value of 9.
Gr ...
") or theta infelix ("unlucky theta") is a symbol of death in Greek and Latin epigraphy. Isidore of Seville notes the letter was appended after the name of a deceased soldier and finds of papyri containing military records have confirmed this use. Additionally it can be seen in the Gladiator Mosaic
The Gladiator Mosaic'' is a famous set of 5 large mosaics of gladiators and venators measuring about 28 meters, dated to the first half of the 4th century and installed in the Salone of the Galleria Borghese. It was discovered in 1834 on the B ...
.
The term ''theta nigrum'' was coined by Theodor Mommsen
Christian Matthias Theodor Mommsen (; 30 November 1817 – 1 November 1903) was a German classical scholar, historian, jurist, journalist, politician and archaeologist. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest classicists of the 19th centu ...
. It consists of a circle with a diagonal line. The ''Theta'' signified Thanatos
In Greek mythology, Thanatos (; grc, Θάνατος, pronounced in "Death", from θνῄσκω ''thnēskō'' "(I) die, am dying") was the personification of death. He was a minor figure in Greek mythology, often referred to but rarely appea ...
, the Greek deity of death./ref>
See also
* "ꝋ" for "''obiit''" (="died")References
Cultural aspects of death Symbols Epigraphy Greek letters {{death-stub