The Iliad describes a fascinating moment: 9 warriors casting lots, each using their own unique symbol without coordinating ahead. This scene from Book VII suggests pre-literate Greeks had personal symbolic "signatures" - a form of proto-writing! Scholars think such systems may stretch back around 40,000 years in Europe. Circles, crosses, lines - these simple marks carried real meaning for identification.
Iliad scene shows pre-literate Greeks using personal symbols as proto-writing evidence
Key facts
- Iliad Book VII lines 161-232 describes nine warriors each placing unique personal marks during lot-casting for combat
- Warriors did not coordinate their symbols beforehand, each independently knew their own mark
- Scholars argue this demonstrates symbolic language systems for personal identification existed among pre-literate Greeks
- The scene supports theories that proto-writing with symbols like circles, crosses, and lines was used for identity representation
- Critics of strict writing definitions argue Chinese logographic writing also does not map directly to pronunciation
- The video connects this to other proposed proto-writing systems including the Vinca script and possibly Göbekli Tepe stones
- Scholars suggest such symbolic systems may date back approximately 40,000 years in Europe
Sources
The Iliad Book 7 Summarystudy.com
It's decided that they should each scratch a mark on a lot and cast all the lots into a helmet. Nestor then shakes the helmet (after praying for his ...
Homer (c.750 BC) - The Iliad: Book VIIpoetryintranslation.com
The Gerenian horseman, Nestor, then spoke again: 'Cast lots now, each of you, that one might be chosen. He will serve the Achaean cause well, and himself ...
The Iliad: Book VII.sparknotes.com
Nine of the princes accepting the challenge, the lot is cast and falls upon Ajax. These heroes, after several attacks, are parted by the night. The Trojans ...
Summary and Analysis Book VII - The Iliadcliffsnotes.com
The Greeks cast lots and Telamonian Aias is chosen as the Achaian champion. He and Hektor engage in a ferocious duel, but neither warrior is able to ...
HOMER, ILIAD BOOK 7 - Theoi Classical Texts Librarytheoi.com
The lot then he cast upon the ground beside his foot, and spake: "My friends, of a surety the lot is mine, and mine own heart rejoiceth, for I deem that I shall ...
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