SUPPLICIA CANUM Meaning and
Definition
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Supplicia canum, derived from Latin, is a phrase that translates to "punishment of dogs" in English. It refers to a form of punishment or torture in ancient Roman times where dogs were utilized to cause harm or inflict pain on individuals as a means of retribution or discipline. The punishment involved exposing the victim to a pack of fierce, aggressive dogs and allowing them to attack, bite, or tear at the person's flesh.
Historically, the practice of supplicia canum was employed as a means of discouraging criminal activities, suppressing rebellions, or punishing slaves and prisoners. The severity of the punishment often resulted in severe injuries or death, making it a particularly brutal form of execution or torture. By subjecting an individual to the ferocity of trained dogs, it aimed to serve as a powerful deterrent and a cautionary example for others.
The concept of supplicia canum was influenced by the Roman belief in justice and the principle of retributive punishment. It was considered a public spectacle, often carried out in arenas or amphitheaters, where the entire community could witness the gruesome consequences of transgressions against the law.
Today, the phrase supplicia canum is mainly used in historical or academic contexts to describe this specific method of punishment practiced in ancient Rome. It serves as a reminder of the brutal and often barbaric nature of justice systems in antiquity and exemplifies the lengths societies have gone to maintain order and instill fear in individuals through acts of violence.
Etymology of SUPPLICIA CANUM
The Latin phrase "supplicia canum" is composed of two words: "supplicia" and "canum".
1. "Supplicia": This word comes from the Latin verb "supplicare", which means "to beg" or "to beseech". It is derived from the prefix "sub-" (under) and the verb "plicare" (to fold). The idea behind the word is that of folding oneself under, humbling oneself, or bowing down in supplication.
2. "Canum": This word is the genitive plural form of the noun "canis", which means "dog" in Latin. The genitive plural form is used here to indicate possession, so "canum" can be translated as "of dogs".
Therefore, the complete phrase "supplicia canum" can be translated as "punishments of dogs".
