05-17-2006, 10:47 AM
Quote:I was looking at various inscriptions and carvings in a book on the Wall, when I came across this carving of an auxiliary. Its from Housesteads, no date given, but probably either Batavian or Tungrian (German or Belgic origins). The shield design jumped right out at me, I was sure I'd seen it in the Notitia Dignitatum. A few minutes later I found it: in Illyricum, the Britones Seniores!!! It is a radiating pattern, and there are lots of those in the ND. But the Britones Seniores is a fantastic match.
Well...
First: yes, the design looks the same.
Second: Like you said, the ND is full of radiating designs.
Third: from the spatha I'd say this is 3rd-c.
Fourth: as the spatha hangs on the right hip, I'd say this is a cavalryman.
Fith: that means the Britones Seniores would be very unlikely, as this is generally thought of as a vexillation of the Secunda Britones, i.e. the old Legio II Augusta. Which would mean the Britones Seniores were infantry, while this man most likely is a cavalryman.
How 'bout that so far?
Robert Vermaat
MODERATOR
FECTIO Late Romans
THE CAUSE OF WAR MUST BE JUST
(Maurikios-Strategikon, book VIII.2: Maxim 12)
MODERATOR
FECTIO Late Romans
THE CAUSE OF WAR MUST BE JUST
(Maurikios-Strategikon, book VIII.2: Maxim 12)
