PLV Inscriptions (Netherby)

November 20, 2020November 20, 2020 / Mike Bishop

Introduction

These are the inscriptions from the Hadrian’s Wall outpost fort of Netherby (Castra Exploratum). The fort itself has never been excavated (although the extramural bath-house was examined in the 18th century), so little is known about its occupation beyond what can be deduced from inscriptions.

Inventory

RIB 965: Altar for Apollo found before 1875 at Netherby. [De]o Apollini / … Aurelius M[a]/te[r]nus pro / s[a]lu[t]e [s]ua et MI […] IIANAISA / MA […] v(otum) s(olvit) l(ibens) m(erito) (‘For the god Apollo … Aurelius Maternus for the welfare of himself and … willingly and deservedly fulfilled his vow’). RIB I p.321

RIB 966: Altar for Cocidius found in 1772 at Netherby. Deo / sancto / Cocidio / Paternius / Maternus / tribunus coh(ortis) / I Nervan(a)e / ex evocato / Palatino / v(otum) s(olvit) l(ibens) m(erito) (‘For the holy god Cocidius, Paternius Maternus, tribune of the First Cohort Nervana, promoted from evocatus Palatinus, willingly and deservedly fulfilled his vow’). RIB I p.322

RIB 967: Altar for an unidentified deity found before 1794 at Netherby. D(eo(?)) s(ancto(?)) E(…) / IVNLIIAR / Monime / PRID VNICI / […] ERESIS / PLERIVM […] A/RIVS posuit (‘For the holy deity … Monime … set this up’). RIB I p.322

RIB 968: Altar for Fortuna Conservatrix found before 1725 in the baths W of Netherby. Deae sanct/ae Fortunae / Conservatrici / Marcus Aurel(ius) / Salvius tribun/us coh(ortis) I Ael(iae) Hi/spanorum / (milliaria) eq(uitatae) / v(otum) s(olvit) l(ibens) m(erito) (‘For the holy goddess Fortuna Conservatrix, Marcus Aurelius Salvius, tribune of the First Aelian Cohort of Spaniards, one thousand strong, part-mounted, willingly and deservedly fulfilled his vow’). Dated to c.AD 222 by the mention of Salvius in RIB 978. RIB I p.323

RIB 969: Altar for Jupiter found before 1794 at Netherby. Primary: I(ovi) O(ptimo) M(aximo) / […] / […] / […] / v(otum) [s(olvit) l(ibens)] m(erito); Secondary: D(eo) Iu[ ̣ ̣]t/er(i) sanct(o) F̣/ortunat. … (Primary: ‘To Jupiter, Best and Greatest, … willingly and deservedly fulfilled his vow’; Secondary: ‘For the holy god Ju[…]teris Fortunat[us] (or Fortunat[a])…’.). RIB I p.323

RIB 970: Altar for Mars Belatucadrus found before 1672 at Netherby. Now lost. Deo Marti / Belatucadro / {RO} [A]ur(elius(?)) [Ni(?)]ca[n(?)]/or v(otum) s(olvit) [l(aetus) l(ibens)] m(erito) (‘For Mars Belatucadrus, Aurelius Nicanor gladly, willingly, and deservedly fulfilled his vow’). RIB I p.323

RIB 971: Altar for Mogons Vitiris found before 1711 at Netherby. Deo / Mogont(i) / Vitire san(cto) / Ael(ius) [Secund(us)] / v(otum) s(olvit) l(ibens) m(erito) (‘For the holy god Mogons Vitiris, Aelius Secundus willingly and deservedly fulfilled his vow’). RIB I p.323

RIB 972: Altar for Silvanus found before 1794 at Netherby. Deo / Silv(ano) (‘For the god Silvanus’). RIB I p.324

RIB 973: Altar for Hveter found in 1882 at Netherby. Deo / Hue/tiri (‘For the god Hveter’). RIB I p.324

RIB 974: Dedication for Hadrian by legio II Augusta found at Netherby before 1601. Now lost. Imp(eratori) Caes(ari) Tra(iano) / Hadriano / Aug(usto) / leg(io) II Aug(usta) fec(it) (‘For the Emperor Caesar Trajan Hadrian Augustus the Second Legion Augusta built (this)’). RIB I p.324

RIB 975: Fragment found at Netherby before 1672. Now lost. Imp(eratore) Comm(odo) co(n)s(ule) (‘In the consulship of the Emperor Commodus’). RIB I p.324

RIB 976: Dedication found at Arthuret church in 1609. Now lost. […] Iuliae Au[g(ustae)] / {M} matri Au[g(usti)] / [nostri M(arci) Aur]|eli{i} Anton[ini] / et castr(orum) [et] / senatus et / patriae pro / [pietate ac] / devotione / [communi] / num(ini) eius / [curante G(aio) Iul(io)] / Marc[o] l[eg(ato) Aug(ustorum)] / pr(o) pr(aetore) coh(ors) [I] Ael(ia) / [ Hisp(anorum) (milliaria) eq(uitata)] / posuit (‘… for Julia Augusta, mother of our Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus and of the camps and Senate and country, out of their common duty and devotion to his Divinity, under the charge of Gaius Julius Marcus, emperor’s propraetorian legate, the First Aelian Cohort of Spaniards, one thousand strong, part-mounted, set this up’). RIB I p.325

RIB 977: Dedication slab found at Netherby before 1794. […] coh(ors) I / [Ael(ia) Hisp(anorum) (milliaria) eq(uitata)] Anto/[ninian]a ex solo / [exstruxit] sub cur(a) G(ai) Iul(i) / [Marci le]g(ati) Aug(usti) pr(o) pr(aetore) instante / […]ṛ Maximo trib(uno) (‘… the First Aelian Cohort of Spaniards, one thousand strong, part-mounted, styled Antoniniana, built this from the foundations under the charge of Gaius Julius Marcus, emperor’s propraetorian legate, under the direction of … Maximus, tribune’). RIB I p.325

RIB 978: Dedication slab found at Netherby in 1762 set up by the double-strength, part-mounted cohors I Aelia Hispanorum. Imp(eratori) Caes(ari) M(arco) Aurelio / Severo Alexandro Pio [F]el(ici) Aug(usto) / pont(ifici) maximo trib(unicia) pot(estate) co(n)s(uli) p(atri) p(atriae) coh(ors) I Ael(ia) / Hispanorum (milliaria) eq(uitata) devota numini / maiestatique eius baselicam / equestrem exercitatoriam / iam pridem a solo coeptam / aedificavit consummavitque / sub cura Mari Valeriani leg(ati) / Aug(usti) pr(o) pr(aetore) instante M(arco) Aurelio / Salvio trib(uno) coh(ortis) imp(eratore) d(omino) n(ostro) / Severo Alexandro Pio Fel(ice) / Aug(usto) co(n)s(ule) (‘For the Emperor Caesar Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander Pius Felix Augustus, pontifex maximus, with tribunician power, consul, father of his country, the First Aelian Cohort of Spaniards, one thousand strong, part-mounted, devoted to his Divinity and majesty, built a cavalry drill-hall, long since begun from the ground, and completed it, under the charge of Marius Valerianus, emperor’s propraetorian legate, under the direction of Marcus Aurelius Salvius, tribune of the cohort in the consulship of our Lord the Emperor Severus Alexander Pius Felix Augustus’). RIB I p.326

RIB 979: Dedication slab found at Netherby before 1794. Dated to AD 222. [ ̣ ̣ ̣]is coh(ors) [I Ael(ia) Hisp(anorum) (milliaria) eq(uitata)] / [[Se]veriana [Alexandriana]] / templum nu[per nimia vetus]/tate conlabsu[m restituit et] / ad pristinam [formam consum]/mavit imp(eratoribus) d(ominis) [n(ostris) …] / […] (‘… the First Aelian Cohort of Spaniards, one thousand strong, part-mounted, Severiana Alexandriana, restored this temple, lately fallen in through excessive age, and completed it according to its original form when the Emperors our Lords … (were consuls)’). RIB I p.326

RIB 980: Dedication slab set up by legiones II Augusta & XX Valeria Victrix & cohors I Aelia Hispanorum found at Netherby before 1794. Original: [ ̣ ̣ ̣] temp[lum …] (‘… temple …’); recut: im[p(eratoris) …] ANTOIII / PIISVSBSCOS vexil(lationes) / leg(ionum) II Aug(ustae) et XX V(aleriae) V(ictricis) / item coh(ortis) I Ael(iae) Hisp(anorum) / (milliaria) eq(uitatae) sub cura M[o]/d[i] Iuli leg(atus) Aug(usti) / pr(o) pr(aetore) instante Ael(ius) / […] (‘For the Emperor … detachments of the Second Legion Augusta and the Twentieth Legion Valeria Victrix, also the First Aelian Cohort of Spaniards one thousand strong, part-mounted, (set this up) under the charge of Modius Iulius, imperial propraetorian legate, under the direction of Aelius …’). RIB I p.327

RIB 981: Building stone set up by a vexillation of legio VI Victrix found at Netherby before 1873. Main: vexilla/tio leg(ionis) / VI V(ictricis) P(iae) [F(idelis)] (‘A detachment of the Sixth Legion Victrix Pia Fidelis (built this)’); right-margin: leg(ionis) VI P(iae) [F(idelis)] (‘of the Sixth Legion Pia Fidelis’). RIB I p.327

RIB 982: Dedication found at Netherby before 1873. […] I ] R / […] C A V / [… opus] valli (‘… rampart-work’). RIB I p.327

RIB 983

RIB 983: Building stone found before 1875, probably at Netherby. [I]nvidio/[s]is mentula (‘A phallic charm against the envious’). RIB I p.327

RIB 984: Tombstone of Titullinia Pussitta found in creating a plantation near Netherby Hall. D(is) M(anibus) / Titullinia / Pussitta / ci(vi)s Raeta / vixsit / annos XXXV / menses VIII / dies XV / TV (‘For the spirits of the departed; Titullinia Pussitta, a Raetian, lived 35 years, 8 months, 15 days …’). RIB I p.328

Discussion

Garrisoned by the double-strength, part-mounted cohors I Aelia Hispanorum, the outpost fort at Netherby was one of two such bases (the other being Birrens) that guarded the main road into Scotland on the western side of the Scottish lowlands. Dedications show elements of VI Victrix, II Augusta, and XX Valeria Victrix undertaking construction work at the site, the last two together with the garrison auxiliary unit. RIB 974 confirms that the first outpost fort here was constructed under Hadrian. Other inscriptions reveal the presence of at least one temple at the site (and there is a good range of deities represented amongst the altars), as well as the presence of civilians in a vicus, where the excavated bath building with its altar dedicated to Fortuna Conservatrix (a deity associated with risky ventures) was found. Netherby is the only fort to date which preserves a record of the construction of a cavalry exercise hall, essential for winter training, as Vegetius observed (Epitoma Rei Militaris 2.23).

PLV Inscriptions (Bewcastle)

November 9, 2020November 9, 2020 / Mike Bishop

Introduction

These are the inscriptions from the outpost fort of Bewcastle (Fanum Cocidii). As with the other outpost forts, its occupation seems to have closely matched that of Hadrian’s Wall itself, down the Maiden Way, some 10km to the south-east.

Inventory

RIB 985: Altar for Cocidius found c.1867 on Maiden Way half a mile S of Bewcastle fort. Deo / sancto / Cocidio / Annius / Victor / centuṛ(io) / legioni[s] / E (‘For the holy god Cocidius, Annius Victor, legionary centurion …’). RIB I p.328

RIB 986: Silver embossed plaque for Cocidius found in the principia strong room at Bewcastle in 1937. Deo Cocidio (‘For the god Cocidius’. RIB I p.329

RIB 987: Silver embossed plaque for Cocidius found in the principia strong room at Bewcastle in 1937. Deo / D(e)o Coc(i)dio / Av(e)ntinus f(ecit) (‘For the god Cocidius, Aventinus made (this)’). RIB I p.329

RIB 988: Altar for Cocidius found in the bed of the Kirk Beck at Bewcastle before 1793. Sancto Co/cideo Aurunc(eius) / Felicesse/mus tribun(us) / ex evocato / v(otum) s(olvit) l(ibens) m(erito) (‘For holy Cocidius, tribune Aurunceius Felicessemus, promoted from evocatus, willingly and deservedly fulfilled his vow’). RIB I p.329

RIB 989: Altar for Cocidius found built into the foundations on the north side of the church at Bewcastle in 1898. Deo sancto Cocidio / Q(uintus) Peltrasi[u]s / Maximus trib(unus) / ex corniculario / praef(ectorum) pr[a]etorio e/m(inentissimorum) v(irorum) v(otum) s(olvit) l(ibens) m(erito) (‘For the holy god Cocidius, tribune Quintus Peltrasius Maximus, promoted from cornicularius to their Eminences, the Praetorian Prefects, willingly and deservedly fulfilled his vow’). RIB I p.330

RIB 990: Altar with secondary dedication for the discipline of the emperor found in 4th-century filling of the underground strong-room in the principia at Bewcastle in 1937. Primary: […] / […] NI / […] / […] / […] / […] / […] / […] / […] / VS […] (‘?’); Secondary: Discip(linae) / Aug(usti) (‘For the discipline of the emperor’). RIB I p.330

RIB 991: Altar for Jupiter set up by cohors I Dacorum found before 1794 at Demesne Farm at Bewcastle. Now lost. I(ovi) O(ptimo) M(aximo) / coh(ors) I Dac(orum) […] / […] / […]at[…]e[…]t(…) centur(io) / ḷeg̣(ionis) II [Aug(ustae)] / [v(otum) s(olvit) l(ibens) m(erito)] (‘For Jupiter, Best and Greatest, the First Cohort of Dacians … centurion of the Second Legion Augusta, willingly and deservedly fulfilled its vow’). RIB I p.330

RIB 992: Dedication for Jupiter Dolichenus found in 1852 in a field wall N of the church at Bewcastle. I(ovi) O(ptimo) M(aximo) / Dolicheno / templum a so[lo] / pro s[alute …] (‘For Jupiter, Best and Greatest, from Doliche … [built] this temple from its foundations for the welfare …’). RIB I p.330

RIB 993: Altar for Cocidius found in 1812 at Bewcastle. Now lost. Deo Ma/[rt]i Cocid(io) / sancto Aeliu[s] / Vitalianus / d(ono) d(edit) l(ibens) m(erito) (‘For the god Mars Cocidius, the holy, Aelius Vitalianus willingly and deservedly gave this as a gift’). RIB I p.331

RIB 994: Altar fragment found in the bed of the Kirk Beck 400m W of Bewcastle before 1875. Now lost. Deo […] / […] (‘For the god …’). RIB I p.332

RIB 995: Dedication slab found whilst grave-digging in the churchyard at Bewcastle. Now lost. [Imp(eratori)] Caes(ari) Tra[iano] / Hadriano Aug(usto) / [le]g(iones) II Aug(usta) et XX V(aleria) [V(ictrix)] / […] IICNC ̣ IR […] / [leg(ato) A]u[g(usti)] pr(o) pr(aetore) (‘For the Emperor Caesar Trajan Hadrian Augustus the Second Legion Augusta and the Twentieth Legion Valeria Victrix, …, emperor’s propraetorian legate (built this)’). RIB I p.332

RIB 996: Dedication slab seen in the church at Bewcastle in 1601. leg(io) II Aug(usta) / fecit (‘The Second Legion Augusta built (this)’). Now lost. RIB I p.332

RIB 997: Parts of two bronze letters from an inscription found in the underground strong-room in the principia at Bewcastle in 1937. L (‘?’). RIB I p.332

Discussion

Given the name of the site, Fanum Cocidii (shrine of Cocidius, a god of hunting and warfare), it is unsurprising to find dedications to Cocidius at Bewcastle. Occupation by the cohors I Dacorum, normally based to the south, down the Maiden Way, at Birdoswald is also easily explained. The vexillation of legiones II and XX may just have been involved in construction (as suggested by a dedication slab from II Augusta), but it could equally reflect the use of the site as a base for operations north of the Wall.

PLV Inscriptions (Risingham)

November 1, 2020November 1, 2020 / Mike Bishop

Introduction

These are the inscriptions from the outpost fort of Risingham (Habitancum). As with High Rochester (only #km to the NE), its occupation seems to have closely matched that of Hadrian’s Wall itself, some #km to the south (along Dere Street).

Inventory

RIB 1207

RIB 1207: Altar for Cocidius from Townfoot Farm (1km NE of Risingham fort) found before 1936 (when it was identified as inscribed). Deo Cocidio et / Sil[vano …] Sev/-[…] IOV / [… a]ram / […] / […] / […] / [v(otum)] s(olvit) l(ibens) m(erito) (‘For the god Cocidius and to Silvanus … [set up] this altar, willingly and deservedly fulfilling his vow. ‘). RIB I p.396

RIB 1208

RIB 1208: Altar for the Dis Cultoribus (gods of this place) found in the bath building at Risingham in 1838. Dis culto/ribus huiu[s] / loci Iul(ius) / Victor trib(unus) (‘To the gods who dwell in this place Julius Victor, the tribune, (set this up)’). RIB I p.397

RIB 1209: Altar for Diana found at Risingham before 1601. Now lost. Deae / Dianae sa/cru(m) Ael(ia) / Timo p(osuit) / v(otum) s(olvens) [l(aeta)] l(ibens) m(erito) (‘For the goddess Diana, Aelia Timo set up this holy offering, gladly, willingly, and deservedly fulfilling a vow’). RIB I p.397

RIB 1210

RIB 1210: Altar for Fortuna found in the bath building in the SE corner of Risingham fort in 1840. Fortunae / sacrum G(aius) / Valerius / Longinus / trib(unus) (altar) [F]ortun[ae] sacrum G(aius) / Val(erius) Longinus trib(unus) (base) (‘Sacred to Fortune: Gaius Valerius Longinus, tribune, (set this up)’). RIB I p.397

RIB 1211: Altar for Fortuna found at Risingham fort before 1717. Now lost. Fortunae / Aug(ustae) / Ael(ia) / Proculina / v(otum) s(olvit) (‘For the Emperor’s Fortune Aelia Proculina fulfilled her vow’). RIB I p.398

RIB 1212

RIB 1212: Altar for Fortuna found in the bath building in the SE corner of Risingham fort in 1840 (probably). Fortunae Reduc[i] / Iulius Severinus / trib(unus) explicito / balineo v(otum) s(olvit) l(ibens) m(erito) (‘For Fortuna of Safe Returns, Julius Severinus, tribune, willingly and deservedly fulfilled his vow, on completion of the baths’). RIB I p.398

RIB 1213: Altar for Hercules found at Risingham fort before 1599. Now lost. [Deo] / Hercu/li Iul(ius) / Paullus / trib(unus) / v(otum) s(olvit) (‘For the god Hercules, the tribune Julius Paullus fulfilled his vow’). RIB I p.398

RIB 1214: Altar for Hercules found at Risingham fort in 1827. Now lost. [D]e[o] / (H)e[r]cul[i G(aius)] / V[al(erius)] Lon/[g]inu[s] / trib(unus) / […] (‘For the god Hercules, the tribune Gaius Valerius Longinus [set this up]’).. RIB I p.399

RIB 1215

RIB 1215: Altar for Hercules found at Risingham fort before 1591. Deo Invicto / Herculi sacr(um) / L(ucius) Aemil(ius) Salvianus / tr[i]b(unus) coh(ortis) I Vangi(onum) / v(otum) s(olvit) l(ibens) m(erito) (‘Sacred to the Invincible God Hercules, Lucius Aemilius Salvianus, tribune of the First Cohort of Vangiones, willingly and deservedly fulfilled his vow’). RIB I, p.399

RIB 1216: Altar for Jupiter found at Risingham fort c.1751. Now lost. I(ovi) O(ptimo) M(aximo) / v[e]xi[l](latio) G(aesatorum) R(aetorum) / q(uorum) c(uram) a(git) / Aemil(ius) Aemilianus / trib(unus) coh(ortis) I Vang(ionum) (‘For Jupiter, Best and Greatest, the detachment of Raetian Spearmen, under the command of Aemilius Aemilianus, tribune of the First Cohort of Vangiones (set this up)’). RIB I, p.400

RIB 1217: Altar for Jupiter found at Risingham fort c.1751. Now lost. [I(ovi) O(ptimo) M(aximo)(?)] / [ve]xi[l](latio) G(aesatorum) R(aetorum) / q(uorum) c(uram) a(git) / Iul(ius) Victor / tr[i]b(unus) coh(ortis) I V/angionum (‘For Jupiter, Best and Greatest, the detachment of Raetian Spearmen, under the command of Julius Victor, tribune of the First Cohort of Vangiones (set this up)’). RIB I, p.400

RIB 1218: Altar for Jupiter found at Risingham fort before 1732. Now lost. I(ovi) O(ptimo) Ṃ(aximo) O / IOVIOM (‘For Jupiter, Best and Greatest …’). RIB I, p.400

RIB 1219

RIB 1219: Altar for Jupiter found in the bath-house at Risingham fort in 1839 or 1840. I(ovi) O(ptimo) M(aximo) D[olicheno pro salute …] / imp(eratorum) C[aes(arum) …] (‘For Jupiter Dolichenus, Best and Greatest, for the welfare … of the Emperor-Caesars …’). RIB I, p.401

RIB 1220: Altar for Jupiter Dolichenus found at Risingham fort before 1702. Now lost. [I(ovi) O(ptimo) M(aximo)] / Dolocheno / G(aius) Iul(ius) Publ(ilius) / Pius trib(unus) / v(otum) s(olvit) l(ibens) m(erito) (‘For [Jupiter Best and Greatest] Dolichenus, Gaius Julius Publilius Pius, tribune, willingly and deservedly fulfilled his vow’). RIB I, p.401

RIB 1221: Altar for Mars Victor found at Risingham fort before 1716. Now lost. Marti / Victori / [I]ul(ius) Publi(lius) / [P]ius trib(unus) / v(otum) s(olvit) l(ibens) m(erito) (‘For Mars Victor, tribune Julius Publilius Pius, willingly and deservedly fulfilled his vow’). RIB I, p.401

RIB 1222: Altar for Mars Victor found at Risingham fort before 1716. Now lost. Marti / Victor[i] / [… ]RRON[…] / Au[r(elio)] EINV / trib(uno) [c(uram)] ag(ente) (‘For Mars Victor … (set this up) under the charge of the tribune Aurelius …’). RIB I, p.402

RIB 1223: Altar for Mars Victor found at Risingham fort in 1842. [ ̣ ̣ ̣] / [ ̣ ̣ ̣ Marti Vi]ctori / [ ̣ ̣ ̣] nius Pr[ ̣] / [ ̣ ̣ ̣] / [ ̣ ̣] trib(un…) libe/rtus ex v(oto) s(olvit) l(ibens) a(nimo) (‘For … Mars Victor … freedman fulfilled it in accordance with a vow with a willing spirit’). RIB I, p.402

RIB 1224

RIB 1224: Altar for the overseas goddesses found at Risingham in 1788. Matribu/s Trama/rinis Iul(ius) / Victor v(otum) s(olvit) l(ibens) m(erito) (‘For the Mother Goddesses from overseas Julius Victor willingly and deservedly fulfilled his vow’). RIB I, p.402

RIB 1225

RIB 1225: Altar for Mogons Cad(…) found in the River Rede just north of Risingham fort before 1599. [D]eo / Mogonito Cad(…) / et N(umini) d(omini) n(ostri) Aug(usti) / M(arcus) G(avius(?)) Secundinus / [b(ene)]f(iciarius) co(n)s(ularis) Habita/nci prima stat(ione) / pro se et suis posu[it] (‘For the god Mogons Cad(…) and to the Divinity of our Lord Augustus, Marcus Gavius Secundinus, beneficiarius of the governor, on his first tour of duty at Habitancum, set this up for himself and his own’). RIB I, p.403

RIB 1226: Altar for Mo(g)ons Cad(…) found in the River Rede just north of Risingham fort before 1599. Now lost. Deo / Mo(g)uno Cad(…) / Inventus do(no) / [ ̣ ̣ ̣] / v(otum) s(olvit) (‘For the god Mogunus Cad(…) (from) Inventus as a gift … fulfilled his vow’). RIB I, p.403

RIB 1227

RIB 1227: Dedication slab found at Risingham fort before 1599. Numinib(us) / [Augustor(um)] coh(ors) IIII Gal(lorum) / eq(uitata) / fec(it) (‘For the Divinities of the Emperors, the Fourth Cohort of Gauls, part-mounted, set this up’). RIB I, p.404

RIB 1228

RIB 1228: Altar for the nymphs found in 1825 near a spring on the east side of Dere Street. Somnio prae/monitus / miles hanc / ponere ius/ sit / aram quae / Fabio nup/ta est Nym/phis vene/randis (‘Forewarned by a dream, a soldier bade she who is married to Fabius to set up this altar to the Nymphs who are to be worshipped’). RIB I, p.404

RIB 1229

RIB 1229: Fragmentary inscription found at Risingham before 1857. […] / pro salute / Arr(unti) Paulini / Theodotus / lib(ertus) (‘… for the welfare of Arruntius Paulinus, Theodotus, his freedman, (set this up)’). RIB I, p.404

RIB 1230: Altar for an unknown deity found at Risingham before 1875. […] RAN […] / […]I[…]I[…]L[…]/[…]/[…]/[… coh(ortis)] / I Van[g(ionum)] s(olvit) (‘… of the First Cohort of Vangiones fulfilled (his vow)’). RIB I, p.405

RIB 1231: Altar for an unknown deity found at Risingham before 1599. Now lost. [ ̣ ̣ ̣ coh(ors)] I Va[ng(ionum)] / [e]q(uitata) mil(liaria) cu/i praeest M(arcus) / Peregrinius / Super trib(unus) (‘… the First Cohort of Vangiones, part-mounted, one thousand strong, (set this up) under the command of the tribune Marcus Peregrinius Super’). RIB I, p.405

RIB 1232: Fragment of an altar probably found at Risingham in 1849. […] / esi […] / v(otum) s(olvit) l(ibens) m(erito) (‘… willingly and deservedly fulfilled the vow’). RIB I, p.406

RIB 1233: Fragment of an altar found at Risingham before 1760. Now lost. O DANA … II … (?). RIB I, p.406

RIB 1234

RIB 1234: Dedication slab found at the S gate of Risingham fort in 1844. [Imp(eratoribus) Caes(aribus) L(ucio)] / [Sept(imio) Severo Pio Pertin]/[aci Arab(ico) Adi]ab(enico) Part(h)[i]co Maxi(mo) / co(n)s(uli) III et M(arco) Aurel(io) Antonino Pio / co(n)s(uli) II Aug(ustis) ⟦et P(ublio) Sept(imio) Getae nob(ilissimo) Caes(ari)⟧ / portam cum muris vetustate di/lapsis iussu Alfeni Senecionis v(iri) c(larissimi) / co(n)s(ularis) curante Oclatinio Advento proc(uratore) / Aug(ustorum) n(ostrorum) coh(ors) I Vangion(um) (milliaria) eq(uitata) / cum Aem[i]l(io) Salviano trib(uno) / suo a solo restit(uit) (‘For the Emperor Caesars Lucius Septimius Severus Pius Pertinax, conqueror of Arabia, conqueror of Adiabene, Greatest Conqueror of Parthia, thrice consul, Augustus, and Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Pius, twice consul, Augustus, and for Publius Septimius Geta, most noble Caesar, the First Cohort of Vangiones, one thousand strong, part-mounted, restored from ground-level this gate and walls, which had collapsed through age, at the command of Alfenus Senecio, of senatorial rank and consular governor, under the charge of Oclatinius Adventus, procurator of our Emperors, together with their tribune Aemilius Salvianus’). RIB I, p.406

RIB 1235

RIB 1235: Dedication slab mostly found in the HQ of Risingham fort in 1849. [Imp(eratori) Caes(ari) di]vi Sept(imi) [Severi Pii Arabici Adi]abenic[i Parthici Maxi]mi Bri[tannici Maxi]mi filio di[vi Antonini Pii] / [Germanici] Sarmati[ci nepoti divi Anton]ini Pii pro[nepoti divi H]adriani a[bnep(oti) divi Traian]i Partichi et [divi Nervae adnep(oti)] / [M(arco) Aurelio] Anton[ino Pio Fel(ici) Aug(usto) Parth]ico Maxim[o Britannico Maximo Germanico Maximo] trib(unicia) potesta[te XVI imperatori II] / [patri pat]ri(a)e proconsuli pro [pietate ac dev]otione com[muni e]t Iu[liae Domnae Piae Fel(ici) Aug(ustae) Ma]tri August[i nostri item] / [castroru]m senatus {h}ac patri(a)e pro [pi]etate {h}ac d[evoti]one [communi curante ⟦[…]⟧ leg(ato)] Aug(ustorum) [pr(o) pr(aetore)] / [coh(ors) I Van]gionum item Raeti Gae[sa]ti et Expl[oratores Habitancenses] posuerun[t d(evoti) n(umini) m(aiestati) q(ue) eorum] (‘For the Emperor Caesar, son of the deified Septimius Severus Pius, conqueror of Arabia, conqueror of Adiabene, Greatest Conqueror of Parthia, Greatest Conqueror of Britain, grandson of the deified Antoninus Pius, conqueror of Germany, conqueror of Sarmatia, great-grandson of the deified Antoninus Pius, great-great-grandson of the deified Hadrian, great-great-great-grandson of the deified Trajan, conqueror of Parthia, and of the deified Nerva, Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Pius Felix Augustus, Greatest Conqueror of Parthia, Greatest Conqueror of Britain, Greatest Conqueror of Germany, in his sixteenth year of tribunician power, twice acclaimed Imperator, father of his country, proconsul, out of their joint duty and devotion, and for Julia Domna Pia Felix Augusta, mother of our Emperor, similarly of the army, Senate and country, out of their joint duty and devotion, under the charge of …, imperial propraetorian legate, the First Cohort of Vangiones, likewise the Raetian Spearmen and the Scouts of Habitancum, devoted to their divinity and majesty, set this up’). RIB I, p.407

RIB 1236

RIB 1236: Dedication slab found in the bath building in the SE corner of Risingham fort in 1840. Imp(erator) Caes(ar) M(arcus) [Aurelius] / Antoninus P[ius Fel(ix) Aug(ustus)] / Adiabenicu[s Parthicus] / M[a]xi[mus ̣ ̣ ̣] (‘The Emperor Caesar Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Pius Felix Augustus, conqueror of Adiabene, Most Great Conqueror of Parthia … ‘). RIB I, p.408

RIB 1237

RIB 1237: Altar found at Risingham before 1599. […] / [imp(eratoris) Caes(aris) M(arci)] / Aur(eli) Anton[i]/ni Pii Aug(usti) M(arcus) / Messorius / Diligens tri/bunus sacrum (‘… for the Emperor Caesar Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Pius Augustus, the tribune Marcus Messorius Diligens (set up) this sacred offering. RIB I, p.408

RIB 1238: Dedication found at Risingham before 1716. [… tr]ib(unicia) potest(ate) […] / [… in]dulgen[ti]s[simo …] / [… dili]gentiss[i]m[o …] / […] CM OOMLTV […] / [… p]r[i]nc[i]pi ob re[fect…] / […] TADCEXXATES […] / VCINMOCA […] / […] VAC trib(unus) devot[i]s[si]m[u]s [… ̣] (‘… with tribunician power … because of the re(building?) … tribune … ‘). RIB I, p.409

RIB 1239: Building stone of legio VI Victrix found at Risingham near the site of the internal bath-building in 1844. Now lost. leg(io) VI | Vic(trix) | P(ia) F(idelis) f(ecit) (‘The Sixth Legion Pia Fidelis built (this)’). RIB I, p.409

RIB 1240

RIB 1240: Building stone of a cohors Nerviorum built into a wall near Risingham fort found in 1872. Now lost. vexil(latio) [coh(ortis) … ] / Nerv[ior(um)] / fec[it] (‘A detachment (of the … Cohort) of Nervians built (this)’). RIB I, p.409

RIB 1241

RIB 1241: Building stone of the cohors I Vangionum found before 1601 at Risingham. coh(ors) I Vang(ionum) / fecit curante / Iul(io) Paullo trib(uno) (‘The First Cohort of Vangiones made (this) under the command of the tribune Julius Paullus’). RIB I, p.409

RIB 1242: Dedication slab found at Risingham before 1601. Now lost. [ ̣ ̣ ̣]ICOS cui pr(a)e[est …] / […] Ṃ(arcus) Aurel(ius) Cast[us …] / […] vetustate conlabs[…] (‘… under the command of … Marcus Aurelius Castus … collapsed through age …’). RIB I, p.409

RIB 1243: Dedication slab found in draining between West Woodburn and Risingham before 1827. […] / [pe]r coh(ortem) [I Vang(ionum)] / [et n]ume[rum] / [E]xplor[ator(um)] / [a] sol(o) re[stit(uit)] (‘… through the agency of the First Cohort of Vangiones and the Unit of Scouts restored (this) from ground-level’). RIB I, p.410

RIB 1244: Dedication slab found at Risingham before 1832. Now lost. […] OI […] / […]EO[…] / […] co[h(ors) … ] / […] et n[umerus …] / […] et Ex[ploratores] (‘… Cohort … and Unit … and Scouts …’). RIB I, p.410

RIB 1245: Fragmentary inscription found at Risingham before 1925. [… f]eci[t …] (‘… made …’). RIB I, p.410

RIB 1246

RIB 1246: Tombstone of 10-year-old Aemilianus found at Chesterhope, near Risingham, before 1777. D(is) M(anibus) / Aemilianus / annorum / X (‘To the spirits of the departed: Aemilianus, aged 10’). RIB I, p.410

RIB 1247

RIB 1247: Tombstone of a standard-bearer found built into the fort-wall at Risingham in 1842. […] / Iul(ius) Victor / sig(nifer) vix(it) an(nos) / LV (‘… Julius Victor, standard-bearer, lived 55 years’). RIB I, p.411

RIB 1248

RIB 1248: Tombstone found built into the north-east angle of the fort-wall at Risingham in 1842. D(is) M(anibus) / Satrius / Honoratus / vixit an/nis V me/(n)sibus VIII (‘To the spirits of the departed: Satrius Honoratus lived 5 years, 8 months’). RIB I, p.411

RIB 1249

RIB 1249: Tombstone probably found at Risingham before 1869. […] / mil(es) coh(ortis) IIII Gal(lorum) / sti(pendiorum) XIIII def(unctus) / [vix]sit an(n)is / XXXXIIII (‘… soldier of the Fourth Cohort of Gauls, of 14 years’ service at death, he lived 44 years’). RIB I, p.411

RIB 1250

RIB 1250: Tombstone found built into the fort-wall of Risingham, 6.1m S of the NE angle in 1842. D(is) M(anibus) s(acrum) / Aur(eliae) Lupu/l(a)e matri / piissim(a)e / Dionysius / Fortuna|tus filius / s(it) t(ibi) / t(erra) l(evis) (‘Sacred to the spirits of the departed (and) to his very devoted mother Aurelia Lupula Dionysius Fortunatus, her son, (set this up); may the earth rest lightly on you’). RIB I, p.411

RIB 1251

RIB 1251: Tombstone of Aurelia Quartilla found built into the fort-wall of Risingham, 6.1m S of the NE angle in 1842. D(is) M(anibus) s(acrum) / Aur(elia) Quartil/la vix(it) an/nis XIII m(ensibus) I V / d(iebus) XXII Aur(elius) / Quartinus / posuit fili|ae suae (‘Sacred to the spirits of the departed, Aurelia Quartilla, lived 13 years, 4 (?) months, 22 days, Aurelius Quartinus set this up to his own daughter’). RIB I, p.412

RIB 1252: Tombstone of Iuliona found at Chesterhope, 1.6km SE of Risingham before 1777. Now lost. D(is) [M(anibus)] / Iuliona […]/ni filia vixit / ann[o]s XVI m(enses) XI / di[es] XIIII (‘To the spirits of the departed: Juliona, daughter of …, lived 16 years, 11 months, 14 days’). RIB I, p.412

RIB 1253

RIB 1253: Tombstone with a fragmentary epitaph in verse found at Townfoot Farm, 300m E of All Saints Church, East Woodburn, and over 1.2km NE of Risingham fort in 1826. [… Flam]inii […]nsae / […]ae dominar|[is … se]mper geli/[dis …]te pruini[s] / [ ̣ ̣ ̣] qui sib[i] / […] IIIΛS / […] FICTNI[…] / […]ue frag[…] / […] tibi pro / […] RCE pro / […] Flaminius O / […]e profund[…] / [… l]ucem volv/[it …]dere vitae (‘?’). RIB I, p.412

RIB 1254

RIB 1254: Tombstone to an unnamed daughter, 1 year and 21 days old, found at Risingham before 1601. D(is) M(anibus) / Blescius / Diovicus / filiae / suae / vixsit / an(n)um / I et die(s) XXI (‘To the spirits of the departed; Blescius Diovicus (set this up) to his own daughter; she lived one year and 21 days’). RIB I, p.413

RIB 1255

RIB 1255: Tombstone found at Risingham in 1842 dated to May AD 278. […]s decep[tus] / […] ann(orum) XXII / [a(nte) d(iem) …] Kal(endas) Iun(ias) […] / [inte]re[v]it im[p(eratore)] / [Prob]o it(erum) co(n)s(ule) / [h(eres)] f(aciendum) c(uravit) / [A]ure[l]ius Vict[or] / avunculu[s] (‘… entrapped … at the age of 22; on May … he died when the Emperor Probus was consul for the second time; his uncle Aurelius Victor as heir had this erected’). RIB I, p.413

RIB 1256

RIB 1256: Tombstone found at Risingham in 1877. […]vius / […]rulus dul/[cissimus pare]ntibus suis / [ille cum per val]etudinem sit / [impeditus nat(urae)] ord(ine) filio / [heres est] substit(ut)us (‘…]rulus, most sweet to his parents, the other, when he had been prevented by ill-health, was substituted [as heir] instead of the son, following the natural succession’). RIB I, p.414

RIB 1257: Tombstone seen in 1911 in the garden of Elsdon Rectory. Now lost. Dis Ma[ni]/bus / C[…]la[…]us / vix(it) […] / […] (‘To the spirits of the departed … lived …’). RIB I, p.414

RIB 1258: Tombstone of the daughter of Co[…]eranus found before 1910 in the east gable of the Yellow House, 400m NE of West Woodburn bridge. […] / filia Co[…]/erani vi[x(it)] / anno[s] XVII[I] / s(it) t(ibi) t(erra) [l(evis)] (‘… daughter of Co[…]eranus, she lived 18 years, may the earth lie lightly on you’). RIB I, p.415

RIB 1259: Fragmentary tombstone found at Risingham before 1732. Now lost. D(is) M(anibus) / […]uxiani / […] Mufo / […]t (‘To the spirits of the departed … Mufo …’). RIB I, p.415

RIB 1260: Tombstone fragment found at Risingham in 1842. [D(is)] M(anibus) / […] (‘To the spirits of the departed …’). RIB I, p.415

RIB 1261: Tombstone fragment found at Risingham before 1732. [D(is) M(anibus)] s(acrum) / […]RIN[…] / […]ATER[…] / […]VIT (‘Sacred to the spirits of the departed …’). RIB I, p.415

Analysis

Whilst the ‘edge of empire’ cliche is relentlessly over-used of Hadrian’s Wall itself, it is much closer to the truth in the outpost forts, as the composition of the garrisons based there confirms. Cohorts of mixed infantry and cavalry, expanded from the quingenary IIII Gallorum in the Antonine period to the milliary I Vangonum in the 3rd century, together with scouts and Raetian frontier specialists, hint at the intelligence-gathering role of these forts. What is perhaps surprising is that families still accompanied the troops on these out-of-the-way postings, as the tombstones listed attest. Whether this denotes a certain recklessness on the part of the troops, or (more likely, one might venture) an indication that conditions out here were settled and of no great concern, is uncertain.