Illustrated Companion to the Latin Dictionary/Catena

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

CATE'NA (ἅλυσις). A chain, formed by a series of iron links interlacing with each other. (Cic. Virg. Hor. Ov. &c.) The chains of the ancients were made exactly like our own, as shown by the illustration (Catena/1.1), which represents some of the links of an ancient chain now preserved as a sacred relic in the Church of S. Pietro in Vinculis at Rome, and which gave its title to the church; for it is there said to be the identical one with which St. Peter was chained in the Tullianum, or Servian prison. See Cancellieri, Carcere Tulliano, where all the evidence upon which this tradition depends is stated at length.

2. A chain of gold or silver worn by women as an ornament round the body, or over the shoulder and sides, like a balteus (Plin. H. N. xxxiii. 12.) Ornaments of this description are frequently depicted in the Pompeian paintings, from one of which the illustration (Catena/2.1) is taken; and always placed, as here, upon the naked body of goddesses, bacchanals, dancing girls, and persons of that description.

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  Catena/1.1
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  Catena/2.1