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The Reigns of the Roman Emperors
As Recorded in the Roman Inscriptions of Britain

 

Nero
Titus
Trajan
Hadrian
Antoninus Pius
Marcus Aurelius
Commodus
Septimius Severus
Caracalla
Elagabalus
Alexander Severus
Maximinus Thrax
The Gordian Emperors
Philip the Arab
Decius
Trebonianus & Volusianus
Valerian to Aurelian
Tacitus to Numerian
Diocletian & Maximian
Constantius to Licinius
Constantine
 
Credits

Nero (AD54-68)

The emperor Nero is mentioned on a single inscription in Britain, from Noviomagus Regnorum (Chichester in West Sussex; RIB 92). Two other stones from Chichester have been assigned to this early period, one of them famously mentions the British client-king Tiberius Claudius Cogidubnus who has been associated with the nearby palatial Roman villa at Fishbourne (RIB 91), the other contains the decidedly British name Amminus (RIB 90). This very interesting stone may be connected with Adminius, a prince of the Catuvellauni tribe and the former king of Cantium who was forced by his brothers Togodumnus and Caratacus to flee to the Continent shortly before the Roman invasion of Britain. All of these stones have been dated to the period AD58-60.

Titus (AD79-81)

The emperor Titus is mentioned on two separate inscriptions from Roman Britain: on the dedication of the forum at Verulamium (Saint Alban's in Hertfordshire; RIB 229a; dated either AD79 or 81), and on a fragmentary text from the newly-built legionary fortress at Deva (Chester in Cheshire; RIB 463; dated: AD79-81).

Trajan (AD98-117)

There are five inscriptions in Britain which bear the name of the emperor Trajan: at Isca Silurum (Caerleon, Gwent; RIB 330; dated: AD99/100), Calunium (Lancaster, Lancashire, RIB 604; dated: AD102-117), two from Gellygaer (mid-Glamorgan; RIB 397/399; both dated: AD103-112), and another at Eburacum (York; RIB 665; dated: AD107/108).

An altarstone to the sea-god Neptune from Portus Lemanis (Lympne, Kent; RIB 66) is dedicated by one Lucius Aufidius Pantera, sometime during the years AD115 to 135, and may have been erected during the latter days of Trajan's reign.

In addition, there is a dubious restoration from London (slate panel; RIB 8) which mentions victories in Dacia and has subsequently been dated to either AD102 or 106.

Hadrian (AD117-138)

There are twenty-nine inscribed stones connected with the emperor Hadrian in Britain, mainly along the line of his lasting monument, Hadrian's Wall in northern England, also in the associated fortifications on the Stanegate, along the Cumbrian coast - the so-called 'Western Sea Defences' - and at outpost forts in Northumberland and southern Scotland.

There are eight building stones from forts on the Wall at Condercum (Benwell, Tyne & Wear; RIB 1340; by a Detachment of the British Fleet; dated: AD122-126), Onnum (Halton Chesters, Northum; RIB 1427; of Leg VI Victrix; dated: AD122-126), Cilurnum (Chesters, Northum; RIB 1497c; dedication to the Discipulinae Augusti by the Ala Augusta ob virtutem appellata; dated: AD122-138?), Brocolitia (Carrawburgh, Northumberland; RIB 1563b; by Coh I Tungrorum; dated: AD122-138), Vercovicium (Housesteads, Northumberland; RIB 1631a; ; dated: AD122-128?), Aesica (Great Chesters, Northumberland; RIB 1725, altar to Jupiter by a centurion of Leg XX Valeria, dated: 127-150?; RIB 1736, dated: AD128-138) and Banna (Castlesteads, Cumbria; RIB 1997; dated: AD128-138); four stones from forts along the Stanegate at Jarrow (nr. South Shields, Durham; RIB 1051; verbose inscription; dated: AD119-138), Vindolanda (Chesterholm, Northumberland; RIB 1702; dated: AD122-126) and Magnis (Carvoran, Northumberland; RIB 1778, altar to Fortuna by a prefect of Coh I Hamiorum Sagittariorum, dated: AD136-138; RIB 1808, dated: AD117-138); two forts forward of the Wall at Castra Exploratorum (Netherby, Cumbria; RIB 974; by Leg II Augusta; dated: AD117-138) and Fanum Cocidi (Bewcastle, Cumbria; RIB 995; by Leg II Augusta; dated: c.AD126); two forts along the Cumbrian coast at Alauna (Maryport, Cumbria; RIB 851; dated: AD117-138) and Gabrosentum (Moresby, Cumbria; RIB 801; by Leg XX Valeria; dated: AD128-138); also dateable inscriptions from along the line of the rampart wall, between Housesteads and Great Chesters (RIB 1637, 1637 & 1666; three almost identical stones by Leg II Augusta; all dated: AD122-126) and also between Carvoran and Birdoswald (RIB 1852; by Leg XX Valeria; dated: AD117-28).

In addition to his activities on the Wall itself, Hadrian undertook other projects in the hinterland of the frontier at Mediobogdum (Hardknott, Cumbria; RIB 793a; dated: AD119-138), Lavatris (Bowes, Yorks; RIB 739; dated: AD130-133) and other works at the legionary fortress at Eburacum (York, North Yorkshire; RIB 666), all within the territories of the Brigantes tribe.

There are other Hadrianic records at forts in the Midlands at Deva (Chester, Cheshire; RIB 464) and Viroconium Cornoviorum (Wroxeter, Shropshire; RIB 288; dated: AD129-30).

There also appears to have been a substantial amount of road-works undertaken during the Hadrianic administration, at: Ratae (Thurmaston, 2 miles N of Leicester; RIB 2244; dated: AD119-120), Calacum (Artle Beck, Caton, 4 miles ENE of Lancaster; RIB 2272; dated: AD119-138) and Canovium (Rhiwiau-uchaf, 7 miles W of Caerhun, Gwynedd; RIB 2265; dated: AD120-121).

Antoninus Pius (AD138-161)

There are forty-two inscribed stones in Britain which mention this emperor. Aside from the stones from the many fortifications along the length of the Antonine Wall itself, there are other inscriptions claiming advent during the rule of this emperor in lowland Scotland at Bremenium (High Rochester, Northumberland; RIB 1276; dated: AD139-143), Blatobulgium (Birrens, Dumfries & Galloway; RIB 2111, dated: AD139-161 & RIB 2110, dated: AD157-158), and from the Hadrianic fortifications at Alauna (Maryport, Cumbria; RIB 832 and 850; both dated: AD138-161), Condercum (Benwell, Tyne & Wear; RIB 1330; altarstone; dated: AD139-161, see also RIB 2077), Cilurnum (Chesters, Northumberland; RIB 1460 and 1461; both dated AD139), Corstopitum (Corbridge, Northumberland; RIB 1147, dated: AD139; 1148, dated: AD140; 1132 dated: c.AD158), Banna (Castlesteads, Cumbria; RIB 1998; dated: AD140-144) and Pons Aelius (Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Tyne & Wear; RIB 1322; dated: AD155-159), also on the fabric of Hadrian's Wall at Heddon-on-the-Wall (between Benwell and Rudchester; RIB 1389; dated: AD158) and somewhere (between Birdoswalds and Castlesteads} RIB 1957; dated: AD138-161).

In addition, there are a number of texts from other sites in England and Wales, at: Petuaria (Brough-on-Humber, Humbs; RIB 707; dated: AD140-161), Venta Silurum (Caerwent, Gwent; RIB 309; statue base; dated: 23rd August AD152), somewhere near (Somerdale Keynsham, Somerset; RIB 181; statue or altar base; dated: AD155) and Navio (Brough-on-Noe, Derbys; RIB 283; dated: c.158).

Marcus Aurelius (AD161-180)

There are sixteen stones from Britain which mention this emperor. His military activities in Britain were mainly concentrated along the course of Hadrian's Wall in northern England, Corstopitum (Corbridge, Northumberland; RIB 1149, RIB stipulates a date of AD163; 1137, dated: AD162-168; 1153, dated: variously AD161-169, AD176-180, or AD222), Magnis (Carvoran, Northumberland; RIB 1792 and 1809; both dated: AD163-166), Vindolanda (Chesterholm, Northumberland; RIB 1703; dated: AD163-166), Aesica (Great Chesters, Northumberland; RIB 1737; dated: AD166-169), Uxelodunum (Stanwix, Cumbria; RIB 2026; altarstone; dated: AD167), Cilurnum (Chesters, Northumberland; RIB 1463 & 1464; both dated: AD176-184) and Condercum (Benwell, Tyne & Wear; RIB 1329; altarstone; dated: AD177-175).

There were other military building projects in southern Britain at Verbeia (Ilkley, Yorks; RIB 636; dated: AD161-169), Bremetenacum (Ribchester, Lancs; RIB 589; dated: c.AD163-169), Longovicium (Lanchester, Durham; RIB 1072; altarstone; dated: c.AD170's, see RIB 1083), Isca Silurum (Caerleon, Gwent; RIB 395b; dated: AD177-180) and Voreda (Old Penrith, Cumbria; RIB 917; altarstone; dated: AD178).

Commodus (AD176-192)

There are eight inscriptions dated to the rule of Commodus in Britain. Three Commodian stones have been found at Maglona (Old Carlisle, Cumbria; RIB 903, altarstone, dated: AD185; 893, altarstone, dated: AD188; 894, altarstone, dated: AD191) and others at Clausentum (Bitterne, Hampshire; RIB 2228; milestone; dated: AD180-217; Commodus, Severus, or Caracalla), Luguvalium (Carlisle, Cumbria; RIB 946; window or niche; dated: AD180-192?), Isca Silurum (Caerleon, Gwent; RIB 332; altarstone; dated: AD180-192), Castra Exploratorum (Netherby, Cumbria; RIB 975; dated: AD180-192) and Cataractonium (Catterick, Yorks; RIB 725; altarstone; dated: AD191).

Septimius Severus (AD193-211)

There are twenty-eight Roman inscriptions on stone in Britain dated to the rule of Septimius Severus, the latter part of which was shared with his sons Caracalla and Geta, whose names often appear next to his. There are Severan stones in Wales and the Welsh Borders at Deva (Chester, Cheshire; RIB 465; dated: AD194-196), Isca Silurum (Caerleon, Gwent; RIB 324, altar to Regina, dated: AD198-209?; also RIB 326 & 333, both dated AD198-209), Segontium (Caernarfon, Gwynedd; RIB 430; dated: AD198-209) and Rhiwiau-uchaf (Roman milestone, 7 miles W of Caerhun, Gwynedd; RIB 2266; dated: AD198-209).

Several more Severan stones occur in Brigantian territory in the north of England: there are two at Lavatris (Bowes, Yorkshire; RIB 730, altar to Fortuna, dated: AD197-202; RIB 740, dated: AD205-208), another two at Corstopitum (Corbridge, Northumberland; RIB 1151, dated: AD205-208 or AD207-208; RIB 1163, dated: AD197-202), and two more at Virosidum (Brough-by-Bainbridge, Yorkshire; RIB 722 & 723; both dated: AD205-208), and single stones at Verbeia (Ilkley, Yorkshire; RIB 637; dated: AD197-202), Verteris (Brough-under-Stainmore, Cumbria; RIB 757; dated: AD197), Greta Bridge (North Yorkshire; RIB 746; dated: AD205-208), Bremetenacum (Ribchester, Lancs; RIB 591; dated: AD205) and Greetland (West Yorkshire; RIB 627; altar to Victoria Brigantia and the Divine Spirit of the Emperor; dated: AD208).

There are also several Severan stones along the central section of Hadrian's Wall; two at Camboglanna (Birdoswald, Cumbria; RIB 1910; dated: AD198-209; RIB 1909, dated: AD205-208), and another two at Vercovicium (Housesteads, Northumberland; RIB 1612, dated: AD198-209; RIB 1631b, dated: AD205-208), and single stones from the forts at Condercum (Benwell, Tyne & Wear; RIB 1337; dated: AD205-208), Cilurnum (Chesters, Northumberland; RIB 1462; dated: AD205-208), Habitancum (Risingham, Northumberland; RIB 1234; dated: AD205-208), Cumberland Quarries (Cumbria; RIB 1009; dated: AD207), Wall Rampart (between Stanwix and Burgh-by-Sands; RIB 2034; dated: AD208 or before) and an altar to the 'Discipline of the (three) Augusti' at Banna (Castlesteads, Cumbria; RIB 1978; dated: AD209-11, GG deleted between 212-217).

In addition to the military sites in Wales and northern Britain there has been another late-Severan stone uncovered at the opposite end of the province at the channel port of Regulbium (Reculver, Kent; RIB 65a; dated: AD210-235).

Caracalla (AD198-217)

There are thirty-five inscribed stones in Britain which can be dated to the reign of Caracalla, more than any other emperor. In Scotland at Horrea Classis (Carpow, Fife; RIB 2213a; dated: AD212-217?), and forward of Hadrian's Wall there are three inscribed stones from each of the Hadrianic outpost forts at Habitancum (Risingham, Northum; RIB 1237, altar to unknown deity, dated: AD211-217; RIB1236, altar to the Emperor, dated: AD213-217; RIB 1235, dated: AD213), Bremenium (High Rochester, Northum; RIB 1265 & 1278, both dated: AD213; RIB 1279, dated: AD216) and Castra Exploratorum (Netherby, Cumbria; RIB 976 & 977, both dated: c.AD213; RIB 980, dated: AD215-220, but text unreliable).

Along Hadrians Wall and the Stanegate at Arbeia (South Shields, Tyne & Wear; RIB 1054; altar to the Protecting Gods; dated: AD211-212), Pons Aelius (Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Tyne & Wear; RIB 1322c; statue or altar base; dated: AD213?), Brocolitia (Carrawburgh, Northumberland; RIB 1544, altar to Mithras, dated: AD213-222; RIB 1551, dated: c.AD213), Vindolanda (Chesterholm, Northumberland; RIB 1705; dated: AD213), Camboglanna (Birdoswald, Cumbria; RIB 1911, altar dedicated to the emperor's health, dated: AD212-217; RIB 1892, altar to Jupiter, dated: AD212-222?), Luguvalium (Carlisle, Cumbria; RIB 964b; altar to Jupiter; dated: AD213-222), milestone (near Mile-Castle 17 in Northumberland; RIB 2298; dated: AD213) and Hadrian's Wall (Exact Location Unknown; RIB 2066; altar to the Brigantian Nymphs; dated: AD212-217).

In northern England at Cumberland Quarries (Cumbria; RIB 1018; dated: AD212-217), Eburacum (York, North Yorkshire; RIB 667; dated: AD212-235), Vindomora (Ebchester, Durham; RIB 1101; altar to Minerva; dated: AD213-222), Maglona (Old Carlisle, Cumbria; RIB 905; dated: AD213), Epiacum (Whitley Castle, Northumberland; RIB 1202 & 1205, both dated: AD213; RIB 1203, dated: AD214-217), Bremetenacum (Ribchester, Lancashire; RIB 590; altar to Victory; dated: AD214-217?), Concangis (Chester-le-Street, Durham; RIB 1049; dated: AD216) and Piercebridge (Durham; RIB 1022; altar to Jupiter; dated: AD217).

In southern England at Combe Down (Monkton Combe, Somerset; RIB 179; dated: AD212-217 or AD218-222), Charterhouse on Mendip (Somerset; RIB 185; dated: AD212-217) and Londinium (London; RIB 19; tombstone of a speculator of the Second Augustan Legion; dated: AD212-217). And in Wales at Isca Silurum (Caerleon, Gwent; RIB 331; dated: AD212-217) and Ty Coch (milestone; 7 miles NE of Caernarfon, Gwynedd; RIB 2264; dated: AD212-217).

Elagabalus (AD218-222)

There are seven inscriptions on stone which mention this oriental emperor. There are two stones at Bremenium (High Rochester, Northumberland; RIB 1272, dedicatory inscription to Sol Invictus, dated: AD218-222?; RIB 1280, construction record of a ballistaria by Coh I Fida Vardullorum during governorship of Ti. Claudius Paulinus, dated: AD220), and another two stones at Cilurnum (Chesters, Northumberland; RIB 1465, dedicatory inscription of Ala II Asturum during governorship of Marius Valerianus, dated: 30th October AD221; RIB 1466, salutary inscription to the two Emperors by Ala II Asturum, dated: AD221/222), and single inscribed stones at Camboglanna (Birdoswald, Cumbria; RIB 1914; B.I. of Coh I Aelia Dacorum naming governor Modius Julius; dated: c.AD219), Eburacum (York, North Yorkshire; RIB 706e; altar to Neptune and the Local Guardian Spirit, by a negotiator Britannorum; dated: AD221) and Venta Silurum (Caerwent, Gwent; RIB 311; statue base naming the Civitas Silurum during the administration of Tiberius Claudius Paulinus; dated: before AD220).

Alexander Severus (AD222-235)

The name of this emperor is recorded on sixteen inscribed stones in Britain. There were several military works conducted in the north, at the Hadrianic outpost forts Bremenium (High Rochester, Northumberland; RIB 1281, restoration of a ballistaria platform by Coh I Fida Vardullorum during governorship of Claudius Apollinus, dated: AD225-235; RIB 1282, dated: AD222-235) and Castra Exploratorum (Netherby, Cumbria; RIB 978; B.I. of a baselicam equestrem exercitatorium or 'Cavalry Exercise Hall' by Coh I Aelia Dacorum under governor Marius Valerianus; dated: AD222), and on Hadrian's Wall at Arbeia (South Shields, Tyne & Wear; RIB 1060; B.I. of Coh V Gallorum under governor Marius Valerianus; dated: AD222), Vindolanda (Chesterholm, Northumberland; RIB 1706; B.I. of Coh IIII Gallorum under governor Claudius Xenephon; dated: AD223), Cilurnum (Chesters, Northumberland; RIB 1467; B.I. of governor Claudius Xenephon; dated: AD222-223) and Aesica (Great Chesters, Northumberland; RIB 1738; recording the rebuilding of a granary by Coh II Asturum, during the rule of governor Maximus; dated: AD225).

There were also a number of construction projects in the Carvetian hinterland at Voreda (Old Penrith, Cumbria; RIB 919, dedication to the Mother Goddesses, dated: AD222-235; RIB 929, record of road? widening by Coh II Gallorum during governorship of Calvisius Ruso, dated: AD225-238), Maglona (Old Carlisle, Cumbria; RIB 901; dedication to the Mother Goddesses; dated: AD222-235) and Bremetenacum (Ribchester, Lancs; RIB 587; damaged inscription recording the rebuilding of a temple by governor Valerius Crescens Fulvianus; dated: AD225-235).

Road building and renewal continued in the north of Britain at Crindledykes Farm (milestone of governor Claudius Xenephon, 1 mile E of Chesterholm, Northumberland; RIB 2299; ; dated: AD222-223) and Hadrian's Wall (200m ESE of MC 42, Cawfields, Northumberland; RIB 2306; milestone of governor Claudius Xenephon; dated: AD222-223), and also in North Wales at Gwaenysgor (milestone 2 miles S of Prestatyn, Clwyd; RIB 2315e; dated: AD231-235).

Civic work was recorded on the last stone to mention this emperor in Britain at Isca Silurum (Caerleon, Gwent; RIB 328; dedication; dated: 23rd September AD234), but a bronze ansate plate dedicated to Mars found at Camulodunum (Colchester, Essex; RIB 191; dated: AD222-235), perhaps tells us that his reign was marked by unrest in Britain.

Maximinus Thrax (AD235-238)

There are only six stones recordingthe rule of Maximinus Thrax in Britain, four of them from the same fort on Hadrian's wall, the garrison fort of Maximian's own First Aelian Cohort of Dacians. Camboglanna (Birdoswald, Cumbria; RIB 1896 & 1929a, altar to Jupiter by Coh I Aelia Dacorum and the tribune Flavius Maximianus, both dated: AD235-238; RIB 1875, altar to Jupiter by Coh I Aelia Dacorum and the tribune Aurelius Fastus, dated: AD237; RIB 1922, fragmentary inscription, dated: AD236) There is another single stone at the Hadrian's Wall fort Vercovicium (Carrawburgh, Northum; RIB 1553; dedication by Coh I batavorum; dated: AD237)

A very interesting base with fragmentary text found at Camerton (Somerset; RIB 180; dated: AD235, or 289) may be dated either to the rule of Maximinus Thrax or to that of Diocletian and Maximian.

The Gordian Emperors (AD238-244)

There are twenty-three inscribed stones attributed to this short-lived Roman dynasty in Britain, nine of which are milestones. Renovation work was carried out on the northern outpost fort at Bremenium (High Rochester, Northum; RIB 1262; altar of Coh I Vardullorum and the Numerus Exploratores Bremensium; dated: AD238-41), and on forts along Hadrian's Wall at Condercum (Benwell, Tyne & Wear; RIB 1334; dedication to the 'Mothers of the Parade Ground' by Ala I Hispanorum Asturum Gordianae; dated: AD238), Camboglanna (Birdoswald, Cumbria; RIB 1893; altar to Jupiter by Coh I Aelia Dacorum Gordiana; dated: AD238-44), Banna (Castlesteads, Cumbria; RIB 1999, dedication by Coh II Tungrorum, dated: AD238-44; RIB 1983 (altar to Jupiter by Coh II Tungrorum Gordiana, dated: 1st January AD241), Aesica (Great Chesters, Northum; RIB 1751; fragmentary inscription; dated: AD238-244) and Alauna (Maryport, Cumbria; RIB 854; building stone of Legio XX Gordiana; dated: AD238-244).

Many restorations were also undertaken at forts in the Brigantian homelands at Longovicium (Lanchester, Durham; RIB 1091; recording restoration work on the Balneum et Basilica under governor Egnatius Lucilianus, dated: AD238-44; RIB 1092, recording the restoration of the Principia et Armamentarium under governor Maecilius Fuscus, also dated: AD238-244), Maglona (Old Carlisle, Cumbria; RIB 899, altar to Jupiter, dated: AD238-44; RIB 897, altar to Jupiter by the Ala Augusta Gordiana ob virtutem apellata under governor Nonius Philippus, dated: AD242), Bremetenacum (Ribchester, Lancashire; RIB 583; dedication to Apollo Maponus by the numerus equitum Sarmatarum Bremetennenses Gordiani; dated: 30th October AD241) and Derventio (Papcastle, Cumbria; RIB 882, altar dedicated by the Cuneus Frisionum Aballavensium, dated: 19th/20th October AD241; RIB 883, altarstone by the legate Nonius Philippus of the Cuneus Frisionum Aballavensium, dated: 18th October AD241 and 19th October AD242, deleted after 249).

There was a lot of road-building during the reign of the Gordian emperors; in the north at Scalesheugh (5 miles SE of Carlisle, Cumbria; RIB 2289; dated: AD238-44), Willington (4 miles N of Binchester, Durham; RIB 2294; dated: AD238-44), Longovicium (Lanchester, Durham; RIB 2295; dated: AD238-44) and Bremetenacum (Ribchester, Lancashire; RIB 2269; dated: AD238-44), in South Wales at Port Talbot (6 miles S of Neath, West Glamorgan; RIB 2252; dated: AD238-44; see also RIB 2253 & 2256), and in Southern Britain at Clausentum (Bitterne, Hampshire; RIB 2222; dated: AD238-44), Wonston (Hampshire; RIB 2228a; dated: AD238-44) and Mynheer Farm (1.25 miles E of Redruth, Cornwall; RIB 2234; dated: AD238-44).

Another milestone at Clausentum (Bitterne, Hampshire; RIB 2224; primary dated: AD238-44, secondary dated: AD270-273), may date to the reign of the Gordian emperors or to ????.

Philip the Arab (AD244-249)

There are only five inscriptions on stone from Britain which name this emperor, mainly in the north of England, three of which are milestones. There is an altar to Jupiter by Coh II Gallorum at Voreda (Old Penrith, Cumbria; RIB 915; dated: AD244-249) and a dedicatory inscription to the 'Divine Spirits of the two (Phillipian) Emperors' and the 'Guardian Spirit of Leg II Augusta' at Isca Silurum (Caerleon, Gwent; RIB 327; dated: 23rd September AD244).

A few road-construction projects were carried out during the reign of Philip, evidenced by milestones found at Ashton with Stodday (3 miles S of Lancaster; RIB 2270; dated: AD244-249), Hangingshaw (Long Marton, Appleby, nr. Kirkby Thore, Cumbria; RIB 2284; dated: AD244-249) and Maglona (Old Carlisle, Cumbria; RIB 2286; dated: AD247).

Decius (AD249-251)

All eight stones bearing this emperor's name are milestones or roadside honorific pillars, which probably indicates a fair amount of road-building and re-surfacing. There are two milestones at Isurium Brigantum (Aldborough, Yorks; RIB 2277 & 2278; both dated: AD249-251), and single stones at Rockbourne (Hampshire; RIB 2314a; dated: AD249-51), Ashton with Stodday (3 miles S of Lancaster; RIB 2271; dated: AD249-251), Duel Cross (3 miles N of Aldborough, Yorks; RIB 2276; dated: AD249-251), Llys Dinorwig/Cae Metta (5 miles E of Caernarfon, Gwynedd; RIB 2263; dated: AD249-251), Bremetenacum (Ribchester, Lancashire; RIB 2268; dated: AD249-251) and Lagentium (½ mile S of Castleford, West Yorkshire; RIB 2273 [same stone as 2274]; dated: AD250-251).

Trebonianus and Volusianus (AD251-253)

Eight stones dated to the reign of these emperors have been uncovered in Britain, half of which are milestones. There is activity, not necessarily martial, at forts in northern England: Maia (Bowness-on-Solway, Cumbria; RIB 2057, altar to Jupiter, dated: AD251-253; RIB 2058, altar to unknown deity, dated: AD251-253), Vercovicium (Housesteads, Northumberland; RIB 1600; altar to Sol Invictus; dated: AD252) and Bremenium (High Rochester, Northumberland; RIB 1273; altar or statue base dedicated to Victory and Peace; dated: AD251-253).

There is evidence of road-building in the north at Greta Bridge (North Yorkshire; RIB 2279; dated: AD251-253) and Lagentium (½ mile S of Castleford, West Yorkshire; RIB 2274 [same stone as 2273]; dated: AD251-253), and in the south and the extreme south-west at Clausentum (Bitterne, Hampshire; RIB 2223; dated: AD251-253) and Trethevy (1½ miles E of Tintagel, Cornwall; RIB 2230; dated: AD251-253).

Valerian to Aurelian (AD253-275)
and the Gallic Empire

There are twenty-six inscribed stones in Britain which can be dated to this period of history, comprising 18 milestones, 6 altarstones, all dedicated to Jupiter, a honorific dedication and a single building inscription. The six altarstones are all situated in the north of England, mainly along Hadrian's Wall, at Aballava (Burgh-by-Sands, Cumbria; RIB 2042; altar to Jupiter and the Spirits of the Three Emperors by the Numerus Maurorum Aurelia Valeriani Gallienique; dated: AD253-258) Cardewlees (Cumbria; origin unknown; RIB 913; altar to Jupiter by Leg II Augusta; dated: AD255-260) Vercovicium (Housesteads, Northum; RIB 1589; altar to Jupiter; dated: AD258) Camboglanna (Birdoswald, Cumbria; RIB 1883 & 1886, altars to Jupiter by Coh I Aelia Dacorum Postumiana, both dated: AD258-68; RIB 1885, altar to Jupiter by Coh I Aelia Dacorum Tetricianorum, dated: AD270-273).

There is a dedication to the emperors Valerianus and Gallienus by the Seventh Cohort of the Second Augustan Legion at Isca Silurum (Caerleon, Gwent; RIB 334; dated: AD255-260) and the only building inscription of the period is a fragmentary stone recording the reconstruction by the Ala Sebussiana Postumiana of the bath-house at Calunium (Lancaster, Lancashire; RIB 605; dated: 22nd August AD262-266).

There are eighteen milestones recorded during this period, spaced throughout the whole province: Lindum (Lincoln; RIB 2240, milestone of Valerian, dated: 253-259; RIB 2241, milestone of Victorinus (Gallic Empire), dated: 268-270), Aber (4 miles E of Bangor, Gwynedd; RIB 2315d; milestone of Postumus (Gallic Empire); dated: AD258-268), Trecastle Hill (Y Pigwn, nr. Llandovery, Dyfed; RIB 2260, milestone of Postumus (Gallic Empire), dated: AD258-268; RIB 2261, milestone of Victorinus (Gallic Empire), dated: AD268-270), Breage (near Helston, Cornwall; RIB 2232; milestone of Postumus (Gallic Empire); dated: AD260-269), Margam (10 miles SE of Neath, West Glamorgan; RIB 2255; milestone of Postumus (Gallic Empire); dated: AD260-269), Temple Sowerby (nr. Kirkby Thore, Cumbria; RIB 2285a; milestone of Postumus (Gallic Empire); dated: AD260-269), Chesterton on Fosse (Huntingdonshire; RIB 2238; milestone of Victorinus (Gallic Empire); dated: AD269-271), Corstopitum (Corbridge, Northumberland; RIB 2296; milestone of Victorinus (Gallic Empire); dated: AD269-271), Voreda (Old Penrith, Cumbria; RIB 2287; milestone of Victorinus (Gallic Empire); dated: AD269-271), Pyle (11 miles SE of Neath, Mid Glamorgan; RIB 2251; milestone of Victorinus (Gallic Empire); dated: AD269-271), Letocetum (Wall, Staffordshire; RIB 2246; milestone of either Claudius II or Quintillus; dated: AD268-270), Clausentum (Bitterne, Hampshire; RIB 2225 & 2226, milestones of Tetricus (Gallic Empire), both dated: 271-274; RIB 2227, milestone of Aurelian, dated: AD270-275), Rockbourne (Hampshire; RIB 2314b; milestone of Tetricus II; dated: AD272) and Hadrian's Wall (½ mile E of Carvoran, Northumberland; RIB 2309; milestone of Aurelian; dated: AD273-275).

Tacitus to Numerian (AD275-284)

There are twelve stones dated to this period, nine of which are milestones. Dynevor (Llandeilo, 14 miles E of Carmarthen, Dyfed; RIB 2262; milestone of Tacitus; dated: AD275-276) Vale House (Stainmore, 2½ miles W of Bowes, Durham; RIB 2280; primary of Florianus dated: AD276, secondary of Probus dated: AD276-282), Crindledykes Farm (1 mile E of Chesterholm; RIB 2300; milestone of Probus; dated: AD276-282) Durobrivae (1 mile S of Water Newton, Cambridgeshire; RIB 2235; milestone of Florianus; dated: AD276) Lagentium (Castleford, West Yorkshire; RIB 2275; milestone of Florianus; dated: AD276) Vale House (Stainmore, 2½ miles W of Bowes, Durham; RIB 2281; milestone of Carus; dated: AD282-283), Rey Cross (Stainmore, 5 miles W of Bowes, Durham; RIB 2282; milestone of Carus; dated: AD282-283), Hadrian's Wall (200m ESE of MC 42, Cawfields, Northumberland; RIB 2307; milestone of Numerian; dated: AD283-284) and Magnis (Kenchester, Hereford & Worcester; RIB 2250; milestone of Numerian; dated: AD283-284).

Aside from milestones, there are three other inscribed stones from this period, an altar to Jupiter by Cohors I Aelia Dacorum Probiana at Camboglanna (Birdoswald, Cumbria; RIB 1929b; dated: AD276-282), a dedication by Coh IIII Gallorum Probiana at Vindolanda (Chesterholm, Northumberland; RIB 1710; dated: AD276-282) and a dedicatory inscription at Rockbourne (Clanville, Weyhill, Hampshire; RIB 98; dated: AD282-283).

Diocletian and Maximian (AD284-305)

There are nine stones dateable to this period, plus one possible. Six of these are milestones, which are to be found at Melincryddan (1½ miles S of Neath, West Glamorgan; RIB 2257; milestone of Diocletian; dated: AD284-305), Margam (10 miles SE of Neath, West Glamorgan; RIB 2256; milestone of Diocletian and Maximinus; dated: AD286-305), Harraby Bridge (Gallows Hill, 1 mile S of Carlisle, Cumbria; RIB 2291 [on same stone as 2290 & 2292]; milestone of Carausius; dated: AD286-293), Millbrook Farm (Llanhamlach, 4¾ miles SE of Brecon Gaer, Powys; RIB 2258; milestone of Constantius; dated: AD293-306), Crindledykes Farm (1 mile E of Chesterholm; RIB 2301; milestone of Maximian with four inscriptions; variously dated between AD296 and 313) and Turkdean (11 miles NE of Cirencester, Gloucestershire; RIB 2315c; milestone inscribed: FIL?; tentatively dated: AD296-337?).

Aside from milestones, there is an altar base dedicated to Jupiter at Corinium Dobunnorum (Cirencester, Gloucester; RIB 103; dated: AD296-315?), and dedicatory inscriptions to Diocletian and Maximian at Vercovicium (Housesteads, Northumberland; RIB 1613 [see RIB 1912]; dated: AD297-305?) and Camboglanna (Birdoswald, Cumbria; RIB 1912; dated: AD297-305).

A very interesting base with fragmentary text found at Camerton (Somerset; RIB 180; dated: AD235, or 289) may be dated either to the rule of Maximinus Thrax or to that of Diocletian and Maximian.

Constantius to Licinius (AD306-324)

There are Thirteen incriptions from Roman Britain which can be dated to this period, all of them milestones: Waterfalls (on Dere Street, 2½ miles S of Risingham, Northumberland; RIB 2293; Galerius; dated: AD305-311), Durobrivae (3 miles W of Rochester, Kent; RIB 2219; Severus II and Galerius; dated: AD305-306), Oldwall (Carlisle, Cumbria; RIB 2311; Diocletian's successor?; dated: AD305-306), Venn Bridge (5 miles SW of Ilchester, Somerset; RIB 2229; Severus II; dated: AD305-306), Harraby Bridge (Gallows Hill, 1 mile S of Carlisle, Cumbria; RIB 2292 [same stone as 2290, 2291]; Constantius I; dated: AD306-307), Duroliponte (3 miles N of Cambridge; RIB 2237; Constantius I and Constantine; dated: AD306-307), Crindledykes Farm (1 mile E of Chesterholm; RIB 2303; Constantius I and Constantine; dated: AD306-307), Magnis (Hadrian's Wall nr. Carvoran, Northumberland; RIB 2310; Constantius I; dated: AD306-307), St Hilary (Cornwall; RIB 2233; Constantius I and Constantine; dated: AD306-307), Port Talbot (6 miles N of Neath, West Glamorgan; RIB 2253 [with 2252], Licinius, dated: AD308-324; RIB 2254, Maximinus, dated: AD309-313), Tintagel (Devon; RIB 2231; Licinius; dated: AD308-324) and Corstopitum (Corbridge, Northumberland; RIB 2297; Maximinus; dated: AD309-313?).

Constantine (AD306-337)

There are eleven inscribed stones attributed to Constantine, ten of which are milestones: there are two at Bwlch-y-Ddeufaen (4 miles W of Caerhun, Gwynedd; RIB 2267 & 2267a; both dated: AD307-337), and others at West Worthing (nr. Brighton, West Sussex; RIB 2220; dated: AD307-337), Causennae (¼ miles N of Ancaster, Lincolnshire; RIB 2242; dated: AD307-337), Alcester (Warwickshire; RIB 2315f; dated: AD307-337), Crindledykes Farm (1 mile E of Chesterholm; RIB 2302; dated: AD307-337), Kempsey (4 miles S of Worcester; RIB 2249; dated: AD307-337), Low Hesket (9 miles SE of Carlisle, Cumbria; RIB 2288; dated: AD307-337), Shawell (near Cave's Inn on Watling Street in Leicestershire; RIB 2245a; dated: AD307-337) and Temple Sowerby (nr. Kirkby Thore, Cumbria; RIB 2285; dated: AD307-337).

There is a dedicatory inscription to the god Mithras to secure the health of the 'four Emperors and the Noble Caesar' at Londinium (London; RIB 4; dated: AD307-308?), dated to the beginning of Constantine's reign.

The last two inscribed stones in Roman Britain are both milestones, one dedicated to Constantine and his eldest son Crispinus at Girton (3 miles NW of Cambridge, Cambridgeshire; RIB 2239; dated: AD317-326), and another to one of Constantine's sons by his second wife, either Constantine II or Constantius II at Millbrook Farm (Llanhamlach, 4¾ miles SE of Brecon Gaer, Powys; RIB 2259; dated: AD317-337, or 337-340).

Another Latin text which may be listed among the latest Roman inscribed stones is the defiant text from Cilurnum (Chesters, Northumberland; RIB 1486; mid-late 4th century).

Credits

The information contained within this page has been compiled by the RBO webmaster Togodumnus, using a computer-based version of The Roman Inscriptions of Britain by R.G. Collingwood and R.P. Wright (Oxford, 1965).

As always, I am much indebted to the superb website by Guy de la Bedoyere, which contains the entire Latin text heisted from the original R.I.B. by Collingwood & Wright.

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