Justin Martyr's First Apology

Greek Learning Greek
1

I am not entirely sure how the numbering system works but in the second paragraph in PG there is the word ταληθες. Above the alpha there is a mark, but I can’t discern what it is. There is also a grave over the epsilon. I would suspect an acute, but it doesn’t really look like one, so I am maybe wondering if it is a smooth breathing mark. I am also guessing ταληθες is το αληθες or τε αληθες. Any insight?

P.S. I am using the copy from here http://www.documentacatholicaomnia.eu/25_20_25-_Rerum_Conspectus_Pro_Auctoribus_Ordinatus.html

2

You’re right, it’s τὸ ἀληθές > τἀληθές. The thing that looks like the smooth breathing mark is called the coronis in this case and it’s used to indicate that the two words have been contracted. It usually occurs with smaller words that are closely bound to the word that follows, so I don’t think it happens with τε. You can also look at http://books.google.ca/books?id=dBUBAAAAYAAJ&printsec=titlepage&source=gbs_summary_r&cad=0#PRA1-PA5,M1 for more examples, under crasis.

3

Sweet. I have never heard of the coronis. That is interesting.