Theta nigrum explained

The theta nigrum or theta infelix is a symbol of death in Greek and Latin epigraphy.^[1] Isidore of Seville notes the letter was appended after the name of a deceased soldier and finds of papyri containing military records have confirmed this use. Additionally it can be seen in the Gladiator Mosaic.

The term theta nigrum was coined by Theodor Mommsen. It consists of a circle with a diagonal line. The theta signified Thanatos, the Greek deity of death.^[2]

Notes and References

1. Mednikarova . Iveta . The Use of Θ in Latin Funerary Inscriptions . . 136 . 2001 . 267–276 . 20190914 .
2. Book: Robertson, William . A Dictionary of Latin Phrases . 1824 . . 229 . Nigrum præfigere theta; nam theta, Θ, præfigere, sumitur pro damnare, apud Persium: Et potis es vitio nigrum præfigere theta; (quippe theta, Θ, apud Græcos prima litera est nominis, Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: Θάνατος, mors [...] . la, en . 2023-06-13 . 908034483.