Dactyliothēca
(
δακτυλιοθήκη). A case or box where rings were kept. Such a
ring-case has been recognized in a round ivory box found at Pompeii (
Mus. Borb.
ix. pl. xiv. 8). From the centre of the lid projects a vertical stick, on which the rings
might be slid when the wearer took them off at his toilet. The same purpose may have been
served by a bronze stand which was found at Talese. It consists of a rod resting on three
feet. Down the
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Dactyliotheca. (Pompeii.)
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rod may be slid a ring furnished with catches to hold it steady, to one of which is
attached a vertical oval ring broken at the top so as to admit of rings or other articles of
jewellery being slid upon it. The name was also applied to a cabinet or collection of jewels,
as to which we learn from Pliny (
Pliny H. N. xxxvii.
11) that Scaurus, the stepson of Sulla , was the first person at Rome who had a
collection of this kind, and that his was the only one till Pompey brought to Rome the
collection of Mithridates, which he placed in the Capitol.