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I have one question regarding dating of military tombstones by the wording on them. Looking at the photo, it looks like the lead off phrase is "DIS MANIBUS".<br>
I'm no expert, but would the use of the phrase have any impact on the dating of the tombstone? I am not challenging the position that Vespasian's base might have been there, but could the tombstone belong to a veteran from a later time (later in the first century or early in the second) who simply retired to that locale?<br>
I would welcome thoughts and opinions on this.<br>
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Marcus Quintius Clavus/Quinton <p></p><i></i>
Quinton Johansen
Marcus Quintius Clavus, Optio Secundae Pili Prioris Legionis III Cyrenaicae
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Dis Manibus is full is usually an indication of the (early) Flavian period and gets shortened to DM in the 2nd century. Assuming that the fourth line says Veteranus Legionis II Augustae, the fifth line starts with annorum (instead of the later vixit annis), which points to the same general period. I'd say it's from between 65 and 90 AD. It's very hard to date by these indications though and you really need more local material for comparison.<br>
It would still fit with Alchester being an early HQ for II Augusta. The guy is a veteran of the legion, so if he served during/just after the invasion, he might have been discharged and settled locally, dying later on when the legion may have moved away. <p>Greets<br>
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Jasper</p><i></i>
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Thank you, Jasper, for the reply, and I've learned a little more about the Roman army.<br>
Years ago (early 1970's) I took a Roman History course in college. I was the only one in class (other than the professor) who knew that military tombstones were an important source of information in studying the Roman army.<br>
I think it is wonderful that more sites are being found all the time. This one, being a legionary site from the early years of the invasion, is especially exciting.<br>
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Thanks again.<br>
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Marcus Quintius Clavus/Quinton <p></p><i></i>
Quinton Johansen
Marcus Quintius Clavus, Optio Secundae Pili Prioris Legionis III Cyrenaicae
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Yes, tombstones are cool and they turn up relatively often. A new one - with a soldier depicted on it - was very recently found in Cologne. <p>Greets<br>
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Jasper</p><i></i>
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Is it in the imagebase, jasper? <p></p><i></i>
** Vincula/Lucy **
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Not yet. Will be! <p>Greets<br>
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Jasper</p><i></i>
what type of soldier? Jasper<br>
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Infantryman. It's going on display in March in Cologne. <p>Greets<br>
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Jasper</p><i></i>
cheers Jasper<br>
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might have to drop by Koln in august when I hope to visit Germany for a couple of days <p><img src="http://homepage.ntlworld.com/mark.martin/forum/mark.gif
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