Decoding the Latest Discoveries from the Portable Antiquities Scheme
In the summer of 2017, the bronze tablet (Fig.1) which recorded the award of Roman citizenship to a soldier of British origin, Velvotigernos, was put on permanent display in Palace Green library, University of Durham. Found by Mark Houston a year earlier, it was reported to the then Durham Finds Liaison Officer, Ellie Cox, who arranged for its analysis and later acquisition by the museum. Its 370 words, inscribed over two bronze sheets, make the diploma the longest Latin text so far documented by the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS). Below we consider the light it sheds on the experience of a Briton joining the Roman army.
It is one of more than 150 objects bearing writing, mainly in Latin, which have been reported to the PAS (excluding of course the many thousands of Roman coins). More typical than diplomas are names, numbers and slogans on metal objects, some very big, for instance the Westbury lead ‘pig’ (discussed later in this article), others portable, including rings, brooches, amulets, curse tablets and vessels. Most of these are copper alloy objects, but writing is also seen on precious metals and lead. Some texts were created when the object was made, others were stamped or incised later. In this article we select recently-reported objects which show the operation of Roman power in Britain after its conquest began in AD 43.
In all cases the provenance information enriches the stories of the individuals whose lives can be glimpsed in these texts and our understanding of the part played by Latin in Roman life in Britain. The fruits of Roman victories included taking military manpower from newly conquered provinces and Britain was no exception. By the 80s AD, units raised in Britain were stationed on the German frontier and two decades later the Vindolanda tablets report Britons round the Solway Firth being sized up for recruitment.
Velvotigernos Son of Maglotigernos
Denne historien er fra February 2019-utgaven av Treasure Hunting magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra February 2019-utgaven av Treasure Hunting magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
New Detector Network – ‘A Treasure Unearthed for Detectorists'
www.detectornetwork.com is a new online platform that has recently been launched for both beginners and experienced detectorists to share their finds, advice and learn even more about this exciting hobby.
Only a Bit of Lead
As in common with most people, when asked if they have found anything, the reply can often be “Oh, only a bit of lead.”
My Great Uncle Joseph's Anglo-Saxon Sword
My Great Uncle Joseph’s Anglo-Saxon Sword
Roman Lead Ingot Update
I would just like to update readers of Treasure Hunting magazine with some further information about the Roman lead ingot I found back in September 2019.
The Westbury Sub-Mendip Roman Hoard
The Westbury Sub-Mendip Roman Hoard
The Family Hoard
It was the end of the second week of the school summer holidays in 2019.
Remembering the 1970s
Remembering the 1970s
No More Moon Boots?
In more than four decades of detecting, the weather and varying soil conditions have all had a huge influence on the level of my enjoyment of this noble hobby.
My A-Z of Detecting
Part 1: A-G
Lost and Found?
There have been several instances over my long detecting career where, not only has it has been a delight to be able to help people who have lost things, but also a great thrill when such losses are returned to their owners. I have several memories of such occurrences.