Hemicyclium, Gr. and R. (ἡμι-κύκλιον). A semicircular alcove, to which persons resorted for mutual conversation. The term was also used to denote a sun-dial.
Hemina, Gr. and R. (ἡμίνα, i. e. half). A measure of capacity containing half a sextarius (equal to the Greek cotyle = half a pint English).
Hemiolia, Gr. and R. (ἡμι-ολία, i. e. one and a half). A vessel of peculiar construction employed especially by Greek pirates.
Fig. 385. Sun-dial (Hemisphærium).
Hemisphærium, R. A sun-dial in the form of a hemisphere; whence its name. (Fig. [385].)
Hemlock, the Conium maculatum of botanists, was the poison used by the ancient Greeks for the despatch of state prisoners. Its effects are accurately described in Plato’s description of the death of Socrates.
Heptagon (Gr. ἑπτὰ, seven, and γώνη, an angle). A seven-sided figure.
Hepteris, Gr. and R. (ἑπτ-ήρης). A ship of war with seven ranks of oars.
Heræa. Important Greek festivals, celebrated in honour of Hera in all the towns of Greece. At Argos, every fifth year, an immense body of young men in armour formed a procession, preceded by a Hecatomb of oxen, to the great temple of Hera, between Argos and Mycenæ, where the oxen were slaughtered, and their flesh distributed to the citizens.