Illustrated Companion to the Latin Dictionary/Capis

Illustrated Companion to the Latin Dictionary, and Greek Lexicon (Rich, 1849)

CAPIS. A wine jug (Varro, ap. Non. s. Armillum, p. 547.) of early form and usage, made of earthenware, and having a single handle, from which circumstance the Roman grammarians derive its name. (Varro, L. L. v. 121. Festus, s. v.) In the early and simple ages of Roman history, earthenware vessels of this description were of common use, both for religious and other purposes (Liv. x. 7. Pet. Sat. 52. 2.); but with the increase of luxury, they were relinquished for the more elegant Greek forms, or were made of more costly materials (Plin. H. N. xxxvii. 7.), though still retained for purposes of religion, which acquires additional veneration and respect by the preservation of ancient forms and usages; consequently, they are frequently represented on coins and medals struck in honour of persons belonging to the priesthood, similar to the figure (Capis/1.1) here introduced, which is copied from a bronze medal of the emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, on which he is represented in the character of an augur.

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  Capis/1.1