Thread by @DrNWillburger

#Roman inscriptions can make history individual and personal. Many are not merely an abstract description, but rather a close encounter with the everyday life of the people of that time. A good example can be found in this votive altar: 1/5

#EpigraphyTuesday #RomanArchaeology

It was set up by the merchant Lucius Licinius Divixtus for the Boni Casses, fulfilling a vow after he survived a shipping accident. The Boni Casses were probably Celtic or Germanic deities, who were supposed to protect travellers. 2/5

IN H(onorem) D(omus) D(ivinae)/BONIS CASSIBV[S]/EO QVOD POS[T]//SVMMERSAMM/BON(a)E SALVT[I]/SIT REDDITV[S]/ET SVI(s) L(ucius) LICINIV[S]/DIVIXTV[S]/NEGOTIATO[R]/EX VOTO POSV(it)/ABBINO/ET MAXIMO/CO(n)S(ulibus) L(aetus) L(ibens) M(erito) 3/5

In honour of the Divine House the merchant Lucius Licinius Divixtus set up (this altar) to the Boni Casses, gladly, willingly and deservedly on the occasion of a vow, because he returned to his own healthy and safe. In the consulship of Albinus and Maximus.
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Found in Marbach, dating 227 AD. On display at Landesmuseum Württemberg
Photo: Landesmuseum Württemberg 5/5