Record number: CHEGM: 1999 6 65

Object name: inscribed tombstone

Description: Tombstones in two portions; the margin on the lower portion below the inscription has been chiselled off. On a low-backed couch, with mattress and cushion, reclines Aurelius, wearing a corselet of scale armour and trousers. He is bearded and moustached, with long hair brushed stiffly back. His left hand appears to hold a tied roll, his right hand holds aloft a cup. In the background hang his helmet, with crest and cheek-pieces, and his sheathed sword, with large pommel. Below the couch stands, to left, a slave, whose head and feet survive, and to right a table and the baluster leg of the couch. The lower second portion of the stone exhibits the feet of the slave and severed head, presumably a trophy.

The Romans usually recruited their cavalry from the less civilised parts of the empire. Aurelius’ appearance, with large moustache and stiff spiky hair, may suggest that he came from a barbarian background. This impression is increased by the severed head which appears at the bottom of the sculpture. It may represent a trophy from head-hunting at the end of a battle.

Period: Roman

Place found: North Wall (East), Chester

Date: 1887

Material: stone

Dimensions: height 54 inches; width 28 inches

Inscription: M / AVRELI LVCI / EQUITIS / H F C
[D(is)] M(anibus) [...] Aureli Luci[ani] equitis [...] h(eres) f(aciendum) c(uravit)
To the departed spirits of ... Aurelius Lucianus, horseman; his heir had this erected.
Latin