In late Latin inscriptions, particularly in Christian epitaphs, a ‹Ϛ›-shaped sign is sometimes employed alongside the conventional notation ‹VI› in order to express the digit ‘6’. Traditional explanations about the origin of this sign are discussed and rejected in favour of an alternative hypothesis which focuses on its symbolic significance. Over and above its numerical value, the Greek digit ‹Ϛ› ‘6’ (the so-called episemon) can in fact be regarded as a Christological symbol, and it is by virtue of such an ideological connotation that it was adopted in the graphic/writing repertoire of Latin Christian epigraphy.
Between digit and symbol: The figure ‘6’ in Christian epigraphy
Francesco Rovai
Primo
2025-01-01
Abstract
In late Latin inscriptions, particularly in Christian epitaphs, a ‹Ϛ›-shaped sign is sometimes employed alongside the conventional notation ‹VI› in order to express the digit ‘6’. Traditional explanations about the origin of this sign are discussed and rejected in favour of an alternative hypothesis which focuses on its symbolic significance. Over and above its numerical value, the Greek digit ‹Ϛ› ‘6’ (the so-called episemon) can in fact be regarded as a Christological symbol, and it is by virtue of such an ideological connotation that it was adopted in the graphic/writing repertoire of Latin Christian epigraphy.File in questo prodotto:
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