Description:
Sandstone
block, cut down and re-used as an impost block
(w:
0.51 x h:
0.42 x d:
0.53).
Text: Inscribed on one face from the left end of an inscription (as shown by the placing of the letters).
Letters: Second to third century; 0.055; ligature in lines 1,3 and 4; ο in line 1 and the second υ in line 2 written small; υ within
ο, line 5.
Date: 193-211 CE
Findspot:
Ptolemais:
House of Paulus, Room 2; found in 1957.
Original location: Unknown
Last recorded location:
Tolmeita Museum.
Apparatus
1: There are traces of a line on the edge of the stone, but nothing legible.4: ]ΣΑΝ ΤΑΣ ΟΣΠ[ Kraeling, 1962 Kraeling suggests there is the end of a verb, e.g. ἐποίη]σαν; what follows could then be interpreted as τὰς ὁσί[ας
5: ]ΟΡΤΟΥ ΦΙ.[ Kraeling, 1962 ο might be ω; ρ might be β; τ might be ς or γ and if so there is space for another letter before it; there is space for a letter after it. ; ου apparently in ligature
English translation
Translation by: Charlotte Roueché
[?For the victory and health of Emperor Caesar L(ucius) Septimius Severus Pius Pertinax Augustus, victor in Arabia], victor in Adiabene, [greatest victor in Parthia], Ioulios (i.e. Julius) Chrys[- . . .
Commentary
The text began with the title of Septimius Severus which might be restored as shown.
Line 5: It is tempting to suggest that there is a reference here to the imperial fiscus, and perhaps to the συνήγορος τοῦ φίσκου.
Bibliography: Kraeling, 1962, 15, pl. LIII C..
Text constituted from: Transcription (Reynolds).
Images
Fig. 1. Face (The Oriental Institute - Chicago, 44392.)
Fig. 2. Face (Reynolds XIII.35)