Illustrated Companion to the Latin Dictionary/Delphin

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

DEL'PHIN and DELPHI'NUS. A dolphin. Delphinorum columnae (Juv. vi. 589.), the columns of the dolphins. These were columns erected on the spina of the Circus, to support a number of marble dolphins in an elevated position, so as to be readily seen by the concourse of spectators; their object being to give notice of the number of turns round the goals which had been run in each race. Seven courses round the spina constituted a single race; and consequently, one of these dolphins was put up at one end of the course upon the completion of each circuit, and an egg (ova curriculorum) at the other, in order that there might be no mistake or dispute. The figure of a dolphin was selected in honour of Neptune, the egg, of Castor and Pollux. The illustration (Delphin/1.1) is taken from a sepulchral bas-relief, representing a race-course.

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  Delphin/1.1