Roman Military Tomb Inscription Reveals Unknown Imperial Position

A recent discovery in Pompeii has provided fascinating insights into the history and network of power during the reign of Emperor Augustus. During routine construction work at the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, a tomb was unearthed that highlights a distinguished military career and reveals connections between the Roman elite and the Iberian Peninsula.

Unearthing the Past: The Discovery of a Tomb

The tomb was discovered during efforts to damp-proof the basement rooms of San Paolino, the new premises for the park’s library, reports Pompeii Sites.

The inscription on the tomb was analyzed by Maria Chiara Scappaticcio, Professor of Latin Language and Literature at Federico II University of Naples, and Alberto Dalla Rosa, Professor of Roman History at Bordeaux Montaigne University.

Part of the inscription that runs around the wall of the tomb. (PompeiiSites)

The tomb, semicircular in shape and known as a “schola tomb,” features a semi-circular tuff bench decorated with lion’s paws. Initially, the excavation work only revealed the edges of the tomb, prompting senior staff at the Archaeological Park to expand the excavation and plan for its preservation and display near the new library. The tomb dates back to the reign of Emperor Augustus (27 BC – AD 14).

The tomb is semicircular, with an inscription around the top of its wall. (PompeiiSites)

The Inscription and Its Implications

The inscription on the tomb reveals the identity of the deceased: Numerius Agrestinus, son of Numerius, who held several important positions. The inscription reads:

N(umerio) AGRESTINO N(umerii) F(ilio) EQUITIO PULCHRO TRIB(uno) MIL(itum) PRAEF(ecto) AUTRYGON(um) PRAEF(ecto) FABR(um) II D(uum) V(iro) I(ure) D(icundo) ITER(um) LOCUS

The inscription continues with smaller letters:

SEPULTURAE DATUS D(ecreto) D(ecurionum)

This translates to:

“To Numerius Agrestinus, son of Numerius, Equitius Pulcher, a military tribune, prefect of the Autrigones, prefect of the military engineering corps, Duumvir for jurisdiction on two occasions, the burial place was decided by a decree of the city council.”

The discovery is significant for several reasons. Firstly, another funerary inscription in the necropolis of Porta Nocera also mentions Numerius Agrestinus, indicating his high standing. His wife, Veia Barchilla, had a cylindrical monument built for them, and the city council honored him with a public monument.

Secondly, the title “praefectus Autrygonum” reveals that Agrestinus was a prefect of the Autrigones, a tribe from northern Iberia. This post, previously undocumented, sheds light on the organization of Roman power during the transitional phase to the imperial model.

Augustus’s involvement in the Cantabrian Wars (29-19 BC) aimed to consolidate Roman control over Hispania, making this role crucial.

The inscription reveals a previously unknown post. (PompeiiSites)

Broader Implications for Roman History

Italian Minister for Culture, Gennaro Sangiuliano, emphasized the importance of this discovery, stating,

“This discovery provides further confirmation that the site of Pompeii occupies a role of the utmost importance for expanding our knowledge and gaining a better understanding of Roman society during this period.”

The Minister highlighted ongoing excavations in Pompeii and other archaeological parks across Italy, emphasizing the role of Pompeii as a model for cultural heritage management.

Gabriel Zuchtriegel, Director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, noted, “Here we can see the emergence of the power network that linked the elites of the empire, whose members were required to show commitment in areas of conflict, with the promise of economic rewards but in particular social prestige within their local community.” He explained that Agrestinus’s prestigious positions and the honor of having a public funerary monument reflect the appreciation and loyalty he garnered for his service to the imperial cause.

This unexpected discovery highlights the intertwined nature of preservation, research, and enhancement at Pompeii. It also provides a clearer picture of the complex network of power and prestige that underpinned Roman society, particularly during the early years of the empire.

Top image: Semicircular tomb in Pompeii being excavated.       Source: Pompeii Archaeological Site

By Gary Manners