The present work examines the Greek and Latin theoretical
sources that testify to the use of different types of
διπλαῖ with metrical value, in relation to their shapes
and the functions they assume in the layout of dramatic
texts. This investigation also includes the relationship
between the definitions of the διπλαῖ (both ancient and
byzantine), and the drawings that illustrate them in MS
sources. This relationship has undoubtedly been corrupted
during the process of transmission, a fact which
is reflected in the modern non-univocal terminology.
