It may be asked of what possible use could a barrel-shaped substance, such as is here shewn, be in building? Of what service could it be, being a solid, for domestic or other purposes? Rendered, as it seems, by the peculiarity of its shape, and by all its other characteristics, useless for any common purpose — if we take into consideration the pains used to produce the impression neatly and regularly as it is — and if, at the same time, we consider the abundance of its contents, I think we may reasonably contemplate it, as having been a work, of great public importance at the time it was executed.
It is scarcely possible to pursue the reflections caused by traces of human genius so venerable, without expressions of regret that the characters in which they would speak to us are too obsolete to be comprehended; and that the language they employ has become so totally extinct, that the interesting story it contains is thus likely to be lost for ever.
The most ancient literal specimen known to be extant, is the Sigean inscription, which is contained in a tablet, that was disinterred near to ancient Troy. It is engraved on a pillar of beautiful white marble, nine feet high, two feet broad, and eight inches thick, which, as appears by an excavation in the top, and the tenor of the inscription, supported a bust or statue of Hermocrates,[1] whose name it bears. This tablet may be considered to include a specimen of writing, or rather letters engraved on stone, at least 3,000 years old. It is supposed to have been engraven and erected about 500 years before the birth of Christ, and not many years after the publishing of the laws of Solon.
It has been contended by some writers, that the art of impression was well known to the ancients: in confirmation of this, they instance the stamps of iron and other metals, with which their cattle,[2] bales of goods, and various articles of their manufactures were marked: throughout Italy, and other parts of Europe, during the low ages; one instance has been adduced; this is a Roman Sigilum, a signet ring, or stamp, resembling those stamps now used by the Post Office on letters. This is the very earliest specimen we possess of the art of printing by means of ink, or a similar substance. It is nearly two inches long, and one in breadth; on the back is a ring, for the purpose of holding it when the impression is made. The letters are raised, as well as the rim, after the manner of our printing types. The inscription is in two lines, and the letters are in Roman capitals, reversed. The impression given is as follows : —
HERMIAE. S. N.
C. I. CAECILI.
which signifies Caius Julius Cacilius Hermias, a person not mentioned in Roman history,
and, therefore, supposed to have been a steward of some Roman officer, or private
- ↑ I am Hermocrates, the Son of Phanodicus, of this promontory; and I have presented in the Prytaneum, a cup with a stand and wine-strainer, as a monument to the Sigeans; If then I endure care on any account I go to the sigeans, and Ǽsopus, and my brethren have erected a monument for me. The Prytaneum was a common Hall, in which the Grecian senators feasted together, and entertained, at the public charge, such as deserved well of their country.
- ↑ "Distinguish all betimes with branding fire,
To note the tribe, the lineage, and the sire;
Whom to reserve for husband of the herd.
Or who shall be to sacrifice prefer'd."
VIRGIL, Georgica, Book III.
