Roman Tombstone In situ
Towards the end of last year this fantastic find was discovered in excavations prior to housing development on the outskirts Lancaster. The work was carried out by a team from Manchester University headed by Dave Powers and Peter Noble. As you can see, the tablet depicts a cavalryman subduing his enemy; a not too unfamiliar theme for this type of sculptured stone. However what makes this so unusual is that he is shown with a sword in his hand instead of the usual lance. If you look closely you can also see that the soldier has decapitated his opponent with it. Look again and you will see he is clutching the severed head by the hair in his sword hand. Peter Iles from Lancashire County Council's Archaeological Services says he has not seen another example like it, certainly not in this country. Peter also says that the archaeologists did not find a burial associated with it, but ditches found nearby are suggestive of a mortuary enclosure, which points to this being a memorial stone or stele rather than a gravestone.
Roman Tombstone Inscription
As you can see the inscription is quite distinct. A number of experts are currently working on its translation including David Shotter, Andrew White and Ben Edwards. Preliminary results indicates that this was a Roman trooper with the Ala Augusta, a cavalry unit which is know to have been operating in the Lancaster area. His name was probably (L)insus Vodulli and the inscription states that he was a citizen of the Treveri. These were a Belgic tribe originating from the lower valley of the Mosella in Germany and whose capital was at Trier. The inscription is undated but its style suggests early 2nd century. This ties in with evidence from other inscriptions indicating this unit was active in the area at that time. The stone was discovered in several pieces, lying about eight metres or so from the Roman road from Lancaster to Walton-le-Dale, a section of which had been uncovered during the excavations. Restoration work has begun and will include re-attaching the pieces, which is always a difficult business with large stones such as this. The excavations have ceased now but the University team is keeping a watching brief on the site as the development continues.
Programme
Details have not yet been finalised but we have already secured a number of very interesting speakers for the coming year. These include Zosia Archibald from Liverpool University who will presenting a talk on Pheidias, the famous Athenian sculptor, and Also Peter Iles from Lancashire County Council Archaeological Services will be coming later in the year to talk about Motte and Bailey Castles in the Lune Valley. Next month we have David Ratledge who runs Lancashire County Council's comprehensive Historic Highways website. His talk is on the Roman Roads in the north Lancashire area.
A visit to Hardian's Wall and Vindolanda has been suggested for this year's summer trip but other suggestions are welcome.
Excavation Potential
Last year's work in Ellesmere Park, Eccles was very rewarding with a neat section of Roman road being uncovered (see Newsletter 85). John Rabbitt who organised the project is now looking at another site further west at Chorlton Fold. New development is being considered for this area so it could be crucial to check this out before the evidence is lost forever. John has made strong representations to the authorities, which will hopefully allow us to start work early this summer.
Next Meeting
Wednesday 1st February at the Baden Powell Centre (Scout HQ) in Greenough Street, starting at 7.30 pm as usual. As it is the AGM the first half-hour will be society business (nominees for officers accepted), then Adrian Morris has prepared a slideshow of last year's successful trip to Angers.
