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Theta nigrum
Symbol of death / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The theta nigrum (lit.ā'black theta') or theta infelix (lit.ā'unlucky theta') 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.[1] Additionally it can be seen in the Gladiator Mosaic.
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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]