Record number: CHEGM: 1999 6 64

Object name: inscribed tombstone

Description: Rectangular tombstone, broken into several fragments; surmounted by a moulded gable enclosing symmetrically a champleve triangle and flanked by rosettes, of which the right one is lost.

This plain tombstone has been dedicated to three young slaves by their master. Because of their similar names and ages it is probable that Antilianus and Antiatilianus were twin brothers. Slavery was normal in the ancient world, but there are many examples of real affection between master and slave – as demonstrated by this stone.

Period: Roman

Place found: North Wall (East), Chester

Date: 1887

Material: stone

Dimensions: height 55 inches; width 29 inches

Inscription: DIS MANIBVS / ATILIAN ET AN / TIATILIANVS AN X / PROTVS AN XII / POMPEIUS / OPTATVS DO / MINUS F C
Dis Manibus Atilian(us) et Antiatilianus an(norum) x Protus an(norum) xii Pompeius Optatus dominus f(aciendum) c(uravit)
To the departed spirits, Atilianus and Antiatilianus, aged 10, Protus, aged 12; their master Pompeius Optatus, erected this.
Latin