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Mid-Argyll - 17
'In Nomine' disk

Site/Artefact In Nomine disk Type Inscribed stone Site Number National Grid Reference 1837 East 6935 North Map ( 1:25000) Ordnance Survey Explorer No 358 List of Sites and Artefacts Click Here Interactive Map Click Here

Excavation Details
Not Available

Description
Among the artefacts found at Dunadd, a stone disk bears the inscription I[n] Nomine, in a style of lettering that suggests an 8th century origin.

Though Dunadd is a secular power-centre of the Dál Riata in the late Iron Age and Early Medieval Period, it clearly has ecclesiastical connections.

The words on the disk mean 'In the Name' - and can be assumed to reflect Christian devotion, being a shortened form of In Nomine Domini or In Nomine Dei, respectively 'In the Lord's name' or 'In God's name'. Or perhaps In Nomine Summi Dei, 'In the name of God the most high', an expression familiar from Hiberno-Latin writing.

Dunadd has other evidence of literacy: the ogham incription on the rock on the summit.

Other items were found in Dunadd that might suggest literacy, and therefore the presence of Christian clergy. There was orpiment, which was used as a golden-yellow pigment in writing and illuminating manuscripts.

Access/Ownership
Now in National Museum of Scotland

References

• RCAHMS, Argyll 6, pp 149-59
• Alan Lane and Ewen Campbell, Dunadd: an Early Dalriadic Capital.

Check out the following sections of the website for related information

• Understanding Dunadd's Summit

Mid-Argyll Sites and Artefacts

1. Kilmory Oib  2. Druim an Dúin  3. Duntroon  4. Dún Ardifur 1  5. Eilean Rígh 1  6. Dún Chonaillach  7. Loch Awe Crannogs  8. Torran Hoard  9. Dún na Nighinne 10. Kilmartin Parish Church 11. Temple Wood Stone Circles 12. Ogham stone, Poltalloch 13. Barnakil Cross 14. Kilbride Chapel 15. Kilbride Crosses 16. Dunadd Fort 17. In Nomine disk 18. Brooch Moulds 19. Dunadd cross-marked quern 20. Loch Glashan Crannog 21. Glebe Cairn

22. Nether Largie North 23. Nether Largie Mid 24. Nether Largie South 25. Ri Cruin 26. Nether Largie 27. Ballymeanoch - Stones 28. Ballymeanoch - Henge 29. Ballymeanoch - Cairn 30. Dunchragaig 31. Baluachraig 32. Carnassarie Castle 33. BallymeanocH - Barrow 34. Dun Mac Samhainn 35. Glenmoine, Upper Largie 36. Creag a' Mhadaidh 37. Carnassarie - Round Cairn 38. Carnasserie - Standing Stones 39. Carnasserie - Cist 40. Carnasserie Cottage 41. Upper Largie - Cist 42. Upper Largie - Rock Carvings

43. Nether Largie 44. Poltalloch - Cist 45. Poltalloch - cists 46. Bruach an Druimein 47. Dunchraigaig - Dun 48. Poltalloch - Round Cairn 49. Rownfield - Cist 50. Ballymeanoch - Cist 51. Poltalloch - Cists 52. Ballymeanoch - Dun 53. Dunadd - Standing Stones 54. Dunadd - Standing Stone 55. Baile Mor - Dun 56. Anaskeog - Rock Carvings 57. Bariole 58. Rhudil - Round Cairn 1 59. Rhudil - Round Cairn 2 60. Kilmartin Castle 61. Slockavullin 62. Rowanfield - Standing Stone 63. Poltalloch - Cremation

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