dekaboion, tesseraboion and hekatomboion

The terms “dekaboion,” “tesseraboion,” and “hekatomboion” appear to be ancient Greek terms, likely used in the context of describing the size or value of specific units, particularly in relation to land or possibly livestock, although their usage is somewhat obscure and not commonly referenced in modern literature. Here’s a breakdown based on their Greek roots:

  1. Dekaboion (δεκαβοιον):
  • Deka- (δέκα) means “ten” in Greek.
  • Boion (βοιον) is derived from “bous” (βοῦς), meaning “ox” or “cow.”
  • The term could be interpreted as something relating to “ten oxen” or possibly a unit of land or value equivalent to the worth of ten oxen.
  1. Tesseraboion (τεσσαραβοιον):
  • Tessera- (τέσσαρα) means “four” in Greek.
  • Combined with “boion” (βοιον), it likely refers to “four oxen” or something of equivalent value or size.
  1. Hekatomboion (ἑκατόμβοιον):
  • Hekaton- (ἑκατόν) means “hundred” in Greek.
  • This term would then refer to “hundred oxen” or a similar large measure of value or land, possibly used in the context of large estates or significant sacrifices.

These terms might have been used in ancient Greek to describe agricultural units, land holdings, or even contributions or sacrifices involving cattle, which were a major form of wealth in many ancient societies. The specific usage of these terms could vary depending on the context in which they were applied, such as in economic transactions, land assessments, or ritual sacrifices.