CĂTĒNA

dim. CĂTELLA ( ἄλυσις , dim. ἀλύσιον , ἀλυσίδιον ), a chain. The chains which were of superior value, either on account of the material or the workmanship, are commonly called catellae ( ἀλύσια ), the diminutive expre ing their finene and delicacy as well as their minutene . The specimens of ancient chains which we have in bronze lamps, in scales, and in ornaments for the person, especially necklaces, show a great variety of elegant and ingenious patterns. Besides a plain circle or oval, the separate link is often shaped like the figure 8, or is a bar with a circle at each end, or a umes other forms, some of which are here shown. The links are also found so closely entwined, that the chain resembles platted wire or thread, like the gold chains now manufactured at Venice. This is represented in the lowest figure of the woodcut. IMG:6459379820872971714_ill076a.jpg: Ancient Chains.