Cippus

A cippus is an upright, usually inscribed or carved stone or wooden marker that functions as a boundary, commemorative monument, or marker in ancient and classical contexts. The term derives from Latin, where "cippus" originally referred to a small, cylindrical stone or wooden post used for marking territory or property boundaries.

In ancient Rome and Greece, cippi were frequently used to demarcate land divisions or define territorial limits. They often featured inscriptions, symbols, or reliefs that identified ownership or provided legal or commemorative information. These markers could be simple stones or elaborately decorated monuments, depending on their purpose and significance.

Cippi also served religious or memorial functions, marking sacred sites or graves. In some instances, they functioned as milestones on roads, indicating distances or directions to travelers.

The design and material of cippi varied widely; stone cippi were common due to durability, while wood was used for temporary markers. Over time, many cippi have been discovered archaeologically, offering insights into ancient land use, territorial organization, and social customs.

Today, cippi are studied by archaeologists and historians as valuable artifacts reflecting the practices of ancient societies. They continue to be recognized as meaningful symbols of boundary, memory, and territorial authority in the cultural landscapes of the classical world.