latin
2007-03-30 09:54:35 · 4 answers · asked by fiona b 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Beyond which a person is not prepared to go.
In other words, the limit of one's endurance.
The Pillars of Hercules, which according to Roman mythology were built by Hercules, near the Straits of Gibraltar, marking the edge of the then known world, are said to have borne the warning Nec Plus Ultra (also Non Plus Ultra, "nothing further beyond"), serving as a warning to sailors and navigators to go no further.
2007-03-30 09:58:17 · answer #1 · answered by Doethineb 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Latin expression "NEC PLUS ULTRA" can be translated, in
the English language, as "nothing more beyond"; or as "nothing
further perfection".
Also used as "ne plus ultra" or "non plus ultra". It's a descriptive sentence meaning the best, or most extreme example of something. The Pillars of Hercules, for example, were literally the nec plus ultra of the ancient Mediterranean world. Charles V's heraldic emblem reversed this idea, using a depiction of this phrase inscribed on the Pillars—as plus ultra, without the negation. This represented Spain's expansion into the New World.
2007-03-30 17:16:51 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
NEC PLUS ULTRA (or also NON PLUS ULTRA) is
No more ahead, nothing further beyond.
As per the legend it was engraved by Hercules on the 2 mountains ( the Pillars of Hercules). The phrase inscribed in the mythological columns indicating their antique condition of border of the known world
Edit #1 -
The Pillars of Hercules is the ancient name given to the promontories that flank the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar. They are Gibraltar in Europe and Monte Hacho in Ceuta in Africa. . They haven't been built by Hercules as posted here above.
2007-03-30 16:58:52 · answer #3 · answered by martox45 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
In English, 'nec plus ultra' means 'second to none' (i.e., surpassed by nothing).
2007-03-30 23:31:02 · answer #4 · answered by paladin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋