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My Greek & Roman Funnies List

Not everything is Greek to me, some is not Greek to me at all. A coin is a simple thing, but not everything we humans depict on it. This list is to help you understand, see ?

Abacus (lt)
An abacus (plurals abacuses or abaci), also called a counting frame, is a calcula-ting tool for performing arithmetic processes.
The normal method of calculation in ancient Rome, as in Greece, was by moving counters on a smooth table. Originally pebbles (calculi) were used. Marked lines indicated units, fives, tens etc. as in the Roman numeral system.
Instead of loose counters sometimes a tool was created having eight long grooves containing up to five beads in each and eight shorter grooves having either one or no beads in each.
 
Aegis (gr)
A protective device originally associated with Zeus. Later solely with Athena. Either a bright-edged thundercloud fashioned by Hephaestus, or the skin of the divine goat Amaltheia. It is represented as a sort of cloak, sometimes covered with scales and fringed with serpents, and with the head of Medusa fastened in the middle. The Aegis could also serve as a shield and in that fashion Athena wears it upon her breastplate.
 
Agalma (lt)
Cult Image of (for example) a god, a mountain (Mount Argaeus) etc.
 
Aquila (lt)
'A stick with an eagle on top'. It was the symbol of the Legion. It was NOT smart to loose it (See Signum, Vexillum). It was placed in the care of the Primus Pilus, the First Centurion of the First Century of the First Cohort, The soldier carrying it was called an aquilifer
 
Baetyl (lt)
Meteorite : thought to be of divine origin and worshipped, especially in the Middle East, but not only there, as a godly gift. The most famous baetyl of those days is the stone which was venerated as the god Elagabal in Emesa. Which its  highpriest Bassianus (a.k.a. Elagabalus) introduced to Rome.
 
Biga (gr)
Unlike a chariot the Biga itself consists of a seat resting on a board hanging down in front close to the legs of the horses. The biga itself consists of a seat resting on the the axle, with a rail at each side to protect the driver from the wheels.
 
Boule (gr)
City advisory council consisting of a 'few good men'. I.e. those with enough money to be dependable, a 'man of the world' (have vision) and able to pay for the costs that come with the job (games, theatre, repairs etc).
With the Roman occupation of the (middle) eastern world came a shift of the responsability for city government from Demos to Boule. These latter, wealthier  types were seen as more dependable counterparts of the Roman Senate (See Demos). The Boule held their gatherings in the Bouleuterion.
 

Caduceus (lt)
A rod entwined by snakes and sometimes furnished with small wings near the tip. It was the badge of Hermes' office as messenger of the gods and as guide of the dead, though in the latter capacity he is shown merely carrying a forked stick. It was given to Hermes (Mercury for the Romans) by Apollo. Hermes used this to guide the souls of the dead to the Lower World. He also could control the living and the dead with it, or turn anything to gold. For the Romans, the caduceus served as a symbol of moral equilibrium and of good conduct (see also Kerykeion).

 
Chiton (gr)
The Ionic chiton which followed was similar to the Peplos in overall construction. The main difference is its greater width. The woolen fabric was replaced by thin linen or occasionally silk. Again the costume was made from a single rectangle of material but much wider than that used for the Peplos, measuring up to ten feet wide. It had no surplus material and was measured exactly from shoulder to ankle. The enormous width required that eight to ten fibulae were needed to fasten the top edge, leaving an openwork seam either side of the neck which ran across the shoulders and down the arms to form elbow-length sleeves.
Men wore the long chiton untill the 5th century, then it was gradually abandoned in favour of the shorter version which was was of knee-length.
For women we distinguish a Doric and Ionic variant :
  • Length of the overfold was longer on Doric Chiton.
  • Doric Chiton waistline declined so that the lower edge of the blouse could
        reach the hipbones - formed by pulling the excess cloth above the girdle
    • .
     
    Chlamys (gr)
    Is a short cape as worn by Hermes that is doubled or pinned over one shoulder which can be, and often is, worn alone. It is traditionally a military coat
     
    Cista (Mystica) (lt)
    A (woven) round basket, commonly made of wicker-work, in which any thing might be placed. In the Roman comitia the cista was the ballot-box into which the voters cast their tabellae.
    The name of Cista was also given to the small boxes used in connexion with the cults of Demeter and Dionysus. These boxes, which were always kept closed in the public processions, were usually of an oblong form, and thus differ from the cistae used in the Roman comitia.
    In the cults they contain its 'hiera' (the holy things) and then become Cista Mystica. Presumably the Dionysian cult took the 'basket idea' from the Eleusian one. The Eleusian Cista had a flat cover. The Dionysian one a domed cover. Since by Roman times the Dionysian mysteries were widely expanded it became a general symbol.
    P.S. : the snake was in ancient times a symbol for healing and eternal life because of it's shedding of skin.
     
    Cornucopia (lt)
    In Greek mythology, Amalthea raised Zeus on the milk of a goat. In return Zeus gave Amalthea the goat's horn. It had the power to give, to the person in possession of it, whatever he or she wished for. This gave rise to the legend of the cornucopia. The original depictions were of the goat's horn filled with fruits and flowers: deities, especially Fortuna, would be depicted with the horn of plenty.
     
    Demos (gr)
    City council consisting all citizens. Not as is meant today of course, but only those that were male, had city rights, made more than xx obols a day, had their own home etc.
    With the Roman occupation of the (middle) eastern world came a shift of the responsibility for city government from Demos to Boule. These latter, wealthier  types were seen as more dependable counterparts of the Roman Senate (See Boule). The Demos held their gatherings in the Ecclasterion.
     
    Diadem (gr)
    From the Greek 'diadema' : to bind together. Originally, reserved for a king to denote his rank (as with the Taenia). Later applied to all types of crowns. These days also a half crown worn by women on their forehead (a.k.a. a tiara).
     
    Epimelethes (gr)
    A City Magistrate.
     
    Exomis (gr)
    Greek (male) garment which was a short 'dress'. Length varied between to just under the genitalia to just above the knee. It was bound together at above one shoulder. Ideal for hunting, chasing etc.
     
    Globus Cruciger (lt)
    The globus cruciger ("cross-bearing orb") is an orb (globus) topped with a cross (crux). It symbolises Christ's dominion over the world (the orb). It is associated with the sceptre..
     
    Gorgoneion (lt)
    The disembodied head of or mask of the Medusa. Sometimes worn by some roman emperors on their breastplate.
     
    Grammateus (gr)
    (City) Secretary.
     
    Himation (gr)
    The himation is a cloak, a larger and heavier version of the Chlamys worn during winter. Anyway that's how it started out, but later on, when lighter materials could be woven it was worn in- and outside the house.
    Worn by women as an outergarment. Men wore it wrapped across the chest, with one end draped over an arm (it was impolite to show both arms). Men sometimes wore a Himation alone i.e. without tunic or chiton under it.
    Traditionally Gods wore it over their Chiton to emphasize their majesty.
     
    Imago (lt)
    Each (imperial !) legion had an up to date image of the emperor with them. It was (again) carried on a pole so that everybody could see who was paying them. The carrier was the imaginifer.
     
    Kalathos (gr)
    A holder for storing grain, a Greek symbol for the land of the dead (in Latin : Modius).
     
    Kantharos (gr)
    A drinking cup recognizable by its large handles which extend above the lip of the pot.
     

    Kerykeion (gr)
    A rod entwined by snakes and sometimes furnished with small wings near the tip. It was the badge of Hermes' office as messenger of the gods and as guide of the dead, though in the latter capacity he is shown merely carrying a forked stick. It was given to Hermes (Mercury for the Romans) by Apollo. Hermes used this to guide the souls of the dead to the Lower World. He also could control the living and the dead with it, or turn anything to gold. (see also Cadeucus).
     
    Labarum (lt)
    Simply the Chi Rho sign (X & P combined). Officially making XPIΣTOΣ (Christos in Greek). Heathens have it that it originally was a sign for the sun and moon combined. Anyway it was adopted by Constantine before his decisive battle (whether he was vying for Christ or Helios remains debated). The Chi Rho sign was placed on a Vexillum and became the rallying point for many an emperor.
     
    Lituus (lt)
    The lituus was a crooked wand used as an instrument in Roman religion by augurs to mark out a ritual space in the sky (a templum). The passage of birds through this templum indicated divine favor or disfavor for a given undertaking. The lituus was also used as a symbol of office for the college of the augurs to mark them out as a priestly group. See also Pedum
     
    Logobolon (?)
    A curved throwing stick used in hunting small game. Seems to be typical Dacian
     
    Lyra (lt)
    Simply put, a Lyre. There were several versions and not all carry the same name. Please 'google' or 'wiki' for more information.
     
    Mappa (lt)
    A rectangular piece of cloth with which the games in the arena were started by the emperor. It was thrown into the arena by the emperor, and when it reached the ground the games began.
     
    Metropolis (gr)
    Meaning 'Mothercity', an honorific indicating that the city had been wealthy / strong / important enough to spawn colonies by sending out surplus citizens. These new cities were then dependable (or owed responsbility) to the city that helped found them.
     
    Modius (lt)
    A holder for storing grain, a Greek symbol for the land of the dead (in Greek : Kalathos).
     
    Omphalos (gr)
    Zeus once let fly two eagles from the ends of the world: one from the east and one from the west. They soared high over oceans, mountains, forests and plains, until they met at the very centre of the earth, its omphalos, or navel. On this spot, a temple to Apollo was dedicated, the home of the Delphic oracle, where those who wished for insight into their past, present or future might come to consult the god. Traditionally 'the' Omphalos was at Delphi. But as far as I know, also other temples made that claim or had an Omphalos.
     
    Palla (lt)
    Really 'just 'a large oblong shawl, made of wool, and for wearing outdoors. It could be worn in the style as we do it (keep your neck warm) or from the top of the head down so as to have an extra layer to cover your back.
     
    Palladium (lt)
    The Trojan Palladium was said to be a wooden image of Pallas (whom the Greeks identified with Athena and the Romans with Minerva) and to have fallen from heaven in answer to the prayer of Ilus, the founder of Troy. During the Trojan War, the Greeks Diomedes and Odysseus made their way to the citadel in Troy by a secret passage and carried it off. According to various versions of the legend the Trojan Palladium found its way to Rome in Italy. To this last city it was either brought by Aeneas the exiled Trojan or Diomedes. It was kept there in the temple of Vesta in the Roman Forum. In Late Antiquity, it was rumored that the Palladium was transferred from Rome to Constantinople by Constantine and buried under the Column of Constantine in his forum.
     
    Paludamentum (lt)
    Basically the commanding general's cape (the grunt's cape is called a sagum). When a Roman magistrate had received the 'imperium'; from the Comitia Curiata he offered up his vows in the capitol and marched out of the City (i.e. Rome) wearing the Paludamentum. Before reentering the City he had to divest himself of this cloak, denoting his power over the armies. Even emperors observed this ceremony. In wearing it the emperor signified his allegiance with and leadership over the armies.    .
     
    Parazonium (lt)
    A short sword worn at the waist. It was used as a last defence in heavy battle. Frequently emperors can be seen with one in ceremonial and war-like poses.
     
    Patera (lt)
    An undeep dish/bowl used during religious ceremonies. The center of the dish was raised. Since the dish is not very large in this way one can hold it and pour with it without touching the (holy) fluid. (In Greek : See Phiale)
     
    Pedum (lt)
    The Lituus is a short crooked staff. The Pedum is the full shepherd's staff, i.e. longer, and also curved at the top.
     
    Peplos (gr)
    The most basic garment for women was the Peplos, worn universally up to the beginning of the sixth century B.C. Made from a rectangle of woven wool, it measured about six feet in width and about eighteen inches more than the height of the wearer from shoulder to ankle in length. The fabric was wrapped round the wearer with the excess material folded over the top. It was then pinned on both shoulders and the excess material allowed to fall free, giving the impression of a short cape. The pins used for fastening the shoulders of the peplos were originally open pins with decorated heads, but they were later replaced by fibulae or brooches. Arms were left bare.
     
    Peribolos (gr)
    Court enclosed by a wall, especially one surrounding a sacred area such as a temple, shrine or altar. Peribolos walls (which may also be referred to as temenos walls) were sometimes composed of stone posts and slabs    .
     
    Phiale (gr)
    An undeep dish/bowl used during religious ceremonies. The center of the dish was raised. Since the dish is not very large in this way one can hold it and pour with it without touching the (holy) fluid. (In Latin : See Patera)
     
    Polos (gr)
    A sort of crown as worn by Hera (with veil), Demeter Thesmophoros (also with veil) or Cybele. It consists of a small turret / axis worn on the head 'as a hat'.
     
    Pomerium (lt)
    City boundaries. They were set out by a priest at city founding (see Sulcus Primigenius).
     
    Prytaneios (gr)
    City Hall.
     
    Rostral Crown
    (Naval) Crown ornamented with a design of the 'rostra' or beak heads. It was awarded for bravery and was known as the 'Rostral Crown'.
     
    Sceptre (lt)
    A rod or staff has long represented authority. Among the early Greeks the sceptre was a long staff and came to be used by judges, military leaders, priests and others in authority. It is represented on painted vases as a long staff tipped with a metal ornament. When the sceptre is borne by Zeus or Hades, it is headed by a bird. It was this symbol of Zeus that gave their inviolable status to the kerykes.
    The Roman sceptre was under the Republic an ivory sceptre (sceptrum eburneum) was a mark of consular rank. It was also used by victorious generals who received the title of imperator, and its use as a symbol of delegated authority to legates apparently was revived in the marshal’s baton.
    Under the empire the sceptrum Augusti was specially used by the emperors, and was often of ivory tipped with a g olden eagle. It is frequently shown on medallions of the later empire, which have on the obverse a half-length figure of the emperor, holding in one hand the sceptrum Augusti, and in the other the orb surmounted by a small figure of Victory.
    With the advent of Christianity the sceptre was often tipped with a cross instead of with an eagle, but during the Middle Ages the finials on the top of the sceptre varied considerably.
     
    Signum (lt)
    The century's standard. Simply said a long staff featuring a lot of disks (probably for identification and honorary) and a spear or open hand on top (see Aquila, Vexillum). The grunt carrying it was called the Signifer.
     
    Simpulum (lt)
    (or Simpuvium), was a small vessel or ladle with a long handle. It was used during sacrifices to make libations, and to taste the wines and other liquors which were poured on the head of the sacrificial victims. The simpulum was the sign of Roman priesthood, and one of the insignia of the College of Pontiffs.
     
    Sistrum (lt)
    An ancient Egyptian women's ritual instrument, resembling a tambourine with a handle. The typical sistrum is haped like an ankh, consists of a handle topped with a metal or wooden loop containing wires strung with metal plates that jingled when shaken. The sistrum was used primarily in the worship of the Goddesses Isis, Hathor, and Bast. According to the historian Plutarch, the noise of the sistrum was used to keep Typhon (the god of chaos) at bay through its constant movement.
     
    Situla (lt)
    Bucket or pail for drawing or carrying water. The name was more usually applied to the vessel from which lots were drawn. Vessels used for drawing lots were also called urna or orca. The Situla was the urn, from which the names of the tribes or centuries were drawn out by lot, so that each might have its proper place in voting. Cista (today also, but incorrectly, used for the Ballotbox) was a box into which tabellae (ballots) were cast.
     
    Stola (lt)
    A 'good' Roman matron wore a stola. Back and front were wide enough to cover the extended arms, but they were not sewed together over the shoulder and upper arm. In this style, the open edges from the neck to the end of the sleeves were gathered for two or three inches at intervals and joinings could be covered with buttons or fancy pins. Since the dress was too long for walking the extra length was brought up and suspended with a belt. Under it the lady in question could wear a short tunic which was usually of knee-length.
     
    Sulcus Primigenius (lt)
    The basic outlines of the city, from which the planning began, were established according to the directions of the augures, who had studied the flight of the birds regarding this matter. Once these outlines were established (setting out the Pomerium), they were marked down by ploughing a furrow, the so called sulcus primigenius, which was only to be interrupted at the places where a tower or a city gate had to be built. Generally the Hippodameic city plan was drawn : formed by rectangular insulae.
    The image on coins of the ploughing priests refers to the founding of a Roman colony, but perhaps even more significantly it represents Rome's ability to drive back the wilderness and domesticate the land in that particular region.
    Therefore every new city constructed during the time of Augustus was laid out according to the distance travelled by two oxen, one priest, and a Roman plough. The coins of Philippi (Macedon) are the only onesthat consistently feature two priests.
     
    Taenia (gr)
    A hairband. A mark of distinction reserved solely for Gods and upper royalty.
     
    Tessera (lt)
    Unsure : a tablet, countingboard or a device to scoop up a certain number of coins from a pile. Generally a 'tool' of Liberalitas, the personification of the gifts of the emperor to the people.
     
    Thrysos (gr)
    Dionysos' attribute. The thrysos is a wand of willow, wound with ivy, crowned with a pinecone.
     
    Toga (lt)
    Although similar to the Chlamys and Himation, the toga is considerably larger. It consists of a wool oval of cloth about three times the length of the wearer and is worn halved along its length in draped, complicated folds. The size and shape of the toga, as well as the color of the border, indicates social position. Originally of white wool and undecorated, the toga became more elaborate and gold embroidered designs were added.
     
    Tunica (lt)
    A sort of large T-shirt worn by Roman men and women. Length to mid-thigh / ankle. Sleeves usually to crook of the arm.
     
    Tympanon (lt)
    A tambourine like handdrum (without the disks) used especially in the rites of Dionysos and Kybele Magna Mater.
     
    Vexillum (lt)
    When a Roman army detachment went out they took a Vexillum with them. A small banner on a pole. The flag did not wave in 'our' style but was worn flat in front of them, so the enemy could see with whom they were dealing. It  showed which legion they belonged to (See Aquila, Signum). The soldier carrying it is the vexillarius.
     
     
    Men from Rome wore ...
    Men wore a tunica which was adapted from the Greek chiton. Over it the man of importance wore his Toga which grew longer and more elaborate on the advent of the 'golden age' of the empire. It had strict codings (like a striping) tod enote the rank of the wearer. Only Roman citizens were allowed to be seen in it.
    With the advent of empire it's use was under pressure, since it was not an easy garment to wear. On the other hand it was, for a long time, very popular under those recently elevated to citizenship since it was the proof of them having 'arrived'
     
    Women from Rome wore ...
    Women wore a tunica which was adapted from the Greek chiton. The tunica was usually knee-length. Over this the women wore a stola, full length from neck to ankle, high-waisted and fastened at the shoulders with clasps. The stola was usually either white, brown or grey, though they could be colored with vegetable dyes. A shawl, called a palla, could be draped over the head and wrapped around the shoulders and arm. Cloaks were worn to keep warm.
     
     
    Men from Greece wore ...
    Men wore a chiton. Over this could be worn the Himation, which to my untrained eye essentially looks like a large cloak. During the hottest part of th eday one could weara a Petasos on your head. A wide brimmed flat felt hat. As extra the men could wear a Chlamys. A short cape.
     
    Women from Greece wore ...
    Women wore a tunica which was adapted from the Greek chiton. The tunica was usually knee-length. Over this the women wore a stola, full length from neck to ankle, high-waisted and fastened at the shoulders with clasps. The stola was usually either white, brown or grey, though they could be colored with vegetable dyes. A shawl, called a palla, could be draped over the head and wrapped around the shoulders and arm. Cloaks were worn to keep warm.
     

     

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