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HUM 293 / REL 293 - Beginning Latin
Course Notes - Week 4
In the Cambridge course sections Hermgenēs and in basilicā reference is made to cera - "wax"
Legal documents and contracts were written on wax-covered boards, and signed by each party to the transaction, by pressing his seal into the wax. One such tablet, from Caecilius' house, is illustrated on page 11 of the textbook.
Seals were used instead of signatures, and were often made into rings so that the owner could wear them wherever he went. Some seals are shown on page 67
In the last lesson of this book, Caecilius is dying in the ruins of Pompeii. He sends his ring to Quintus, who will become the new head of the family.
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Copyright © 1999 Shirley J. Rollinson, all Rights Reserved
Department of Religion
ENMU Station 19
Portales, NM 88130
Last Updated: January 7, 2009
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