|
|
|
| Question:
What examples of formal written text have been found in Sussex? |
| |
| |
| Mother goddess inscription |
| This is a piece of Purbeck marble which is part of a temple dedication stone. Translated from the Latin, it reads: “To the Mother Goddess of the Homeland – the treasurer set this up at his own expense”. Unfortunately we do not know the treasurer’s name, or where his homeland was. |
|
| Signature on mosaic |
| Mosaicists sometimes signed their work either with part of their name, or a symbol. The mosaicist who made this 4th century mosaic has signed it with the letters TER, perhaps short for Terentius. |
|
| Potter’s stamp |
| This type of glossy red pottery, called samian, was made in several centres in the Roman Empire, the most important ones being in Gaul. Although the pottery was mass produced, it is often possible to tell where and when it was made by its style and colour. Many samian pots were stamped by their makers, showing the name of individual potters. This plate has the word ‘Germanus’ stamped on the base, telling us that the plate was made in the workshops of Germanus, who worked in southern Gaul in the late 1st century. Potters’ stamps are very useful to archaeologists because the output and distribution of the pots can be worked out. |
|
| Catuarus ring |
| This very fine gold ring was found at Fishbourne. It has written on it: ‘Ti(beri) Claudi Catuari’. The word ‘Catu’ means battle, and is a Celtic word. It is possible that this ring belonged to a British noble, perhaps even a friend or relative of King Togidubnus. |
|
| Classis Britannica tile |
| This stamped tile was found at Beauport Park, the iron-making centre in the Weald. It is stamped with the mark of the Roman fleet. Although the Roman fleet was used in warfare, probably its most important role in Britain was in transport and supply, particularly iron and timber. |
|
| Coins |
| These three coins date from the 1st, 2nd and 3rd centuries. The top left is a coin of the Emperor Titus (AD77-8); the top right is a coin of Eleagabalus (AD220); and the lower coin shows Crispina, the wife of Commodus (AD177-92). Coins are very useful to archaeologists because they can help date other objects found with them in nearby contexts. |
|
