The word "ygeí" (ὑγεῖ) is an ancient Greek term that was used approximately 1700 years ago. It is related to "ὑγίεια" (hygeía), which means "health" or "well-being." The word "ὑγεῖ" itself is a form of a greeting or a wish for good health, similar to saying "be well" or "stay healthy."
The term "ὑγεῖ" and its variations have influenced various cultures and languages. Here are some examples from around the world where similar words or phrases were used in ancient times to wish health or well-being:
Ancient Greece & Rome
Greek: "ὑγεῖ" (hygeî) – A greeting or farewell meaning "be healthy."
Latin: "Vale" – Meaning "be well" or "farewell," used similarly in letters and conversations.
Latin: "Salve" – A greeting meaning "be in good health."
Middle East & Mediterranean
Hebrew: "לשלום" (Le’shalom) – Meaning "go in peace," often implying well-being.
Aramaic: "שלם לך" (Shlama lakh) – A greeting meaning "peace to you" (similar to today’s "Shalom" and "Salaam").
Egyptian (Coptic): "ϩⲓⲣⲱⲡⲉ" (Hiropé) – Meaning "peace" or "health."
Europe
Old English: "Hāl wes þu" (Hal wes þú) – Meaning "be whole" or "be healthy," which evolved into "hello."
Old Norse: "Heill" – A wish for health and prosperity, later becoming "hail."
Germanic Tribes: "Salus" – Derived from Latin, meaning health, used in early Germanic cultures.
Asia
Sanskrit: "स्वस्ति" (Svasti) – Meaning "well-being" or "prosperity," used in ancient Indian texts.
Chinese (古汉语): "安康" (Ānkāng) – Meaning "peace and health."
Japanese (古語): "健やかに" (Sukoyaka ni) – Meaning "be in good health."
This term was commonly used in ancient Greek and Roman times, often in inscriptions, letters, and daily conversations. It is also the root of the modern English word "hygiene."
Private toilet was very rare in those days, and reveals the wealth of the villa’s owners. The Dionysus mosaic you see here was unearthed in 1987. It was taken to Jerusalem for research and conservation, and returned after the villa was restored. Three undecorated white sections surround three sides of the floor, composed of relatively large white mosaic stones. At the outer corners, four angled markings indicate the placement of the couches that once stood there. At the center of the mosaic, a large rectangular image depicts a drinking contest between Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, and the hero Hercules.
This villa was constructed in the late 2nd century CE and was later destroyed by an earthquake in 363 CE. Outside the structure, an entrance courtyard provided access to the triclinium through three doorways. The triclinium, a dining room, was furnished with three wooden couches where the hosts and their guests would sit or recline. The villa also included living quarters and even a private toilet.
Who owned this villa? Was he Jewish? Many suggest he was not, as the mosaic reflects a deep familiarity with Greek mythology. However, some argue that the house could still have belonged to a Jewish owner, possibly a wealthy and influential merchant who entertained Romans here. The true answer remains unknown, leaving us to imagine who once lived in this grand residence.
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