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Philomatius — Urbicus' tombstone

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Published: 2024-05-01 19:09:09 +0000 UTC; Views: 974; Favourites: 4; Downloads: 1
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Description Do you remember that part in the book of Artemis when she's scolded for having spared her opponent ? 
I told one of you that it was inspired for a tombstone I studied in college. 

And I found it !

It's the tombstone of the secutor Urbicus, born in Florentia (modern day Florence) and killed in Mediolanum (modern day Milan). 

That tombstone tells an heartbreaking story (he was only 22 and had just became a father), but thanks to it, we still know today what a champion he was !

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Translation (for the ones who don't want to zoom) :

“To the mane gods.

To Urbicus the secutor, first class, from florentine nation, who fought 13 times. He lived 22 years.

His daughter Olympia, whom he left aged 5 months, Fortunensis, his daughter's slave, and Lauricia, his wife, [had this monument erected] to a husband who had well deserved it and with whom she lived 7 years.

I give you this advice: when you have defeated someone, you kill him !


May those who loved him honor his manes »


The "mane gods" are, roughly, little gods who were believed to live underground and who were believed to be the souls of the deceased.
Tombstones beginning by "To the mane gods" are typical for IIIrd Century AD (and late IInd Century).


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Credits : 
Photograph : Antiquarium of Milan
Inscription's reference (for the scholars) : CIL, V, 5933
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Comments: 3

principedebekelar [2024-05-01 21:31:40 +0000 UTC]

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Philomatius In reply to principedebekelar [2024-05-02 04:54:01 +0000 UTC]

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principedebekelar In reply to Philomatius [2024-05-02 11:21:37 +0000 UTC]

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