02-08-2004, 11:35 AM
Ave,<br>
<br>
Just to let you know there is a new theory on the " thumbs up" sign in the arena. Anthony Corbell wrote a book: Nature embodied, Gesture in ancient Rome ISBN 0-691-07494-1.<br>
In it he explores all kinds of gestures. I was interested in signs used at offerings and funerals. Chapter 3 is called the hostile thumb. Here Corbell suggests and devends the idea that " thumbs up" was the sign for killing a defeaded gladiator. A thumb pressed upon a fist should have signified a missio. He is quoting lots of sources, including some mosaics and a cameo.<br>
<br>
The book is not an easy reader. But the ideas are interesting.<br>
Comments anyone?<br>
<br>
Valete,<br>
<br>
Gaivs Civilis<br>
<br>
<p></p><i></i>
<br>
Just to let you know there is a new theory on the " thumbs up" sign in the arena. Anthony Corbell wrote a book: Nature embodied, Gesture in ancient Rome ISBN 0-691-07494-1.<br>
In it he explores all kinds of gestures. I was interested in signs used at offerings and funerals. Chapter 3 is called the hostile thumb. Here Corbell suggests and devends the idea that " thumbs up" was the sign for killing a defeaded gladiator. A thumb pressed upon a fist should have signified a missio. He is quoting lots of sources, including some mosaics and a cameo.<br>
<br>
The book is not an easy reader. But the ideas are interesting.<br>
Comments anyone?<br>
<br>
Valete,<br>
<br>
Gaivs Civilis<br>
<br>
<p></p><i></i>
