Roman Evidence Mania Medich

Literary Evidence Two well known Latin texts: --Julius Caesar’s account of mission to southeast coast of Britain and his return --Tacitus’ biography of father-in-law, agricola Both are biased to an extent --Caesar was justifying his actions to the Senate in Rome and favor himself --Tacitus honored memory of his father-in-law ---appears too good to be true compared to Emperor Domitian ---portrayed as jealous of Agricola and wanting to bring about his downfall Caesar came to Britain twice in 55 BC, on the Southeast coast.

Archaeological Evidence Archaeologists uncover and explain remains of the past Sites located by accident or because they’re already known Palace at Fishbourne found by accident ; workman digging drain found fragments of mosaic floor When excavating, archaeologists look for: --existence and position of any buildings --the way layers of Earth change color and texture

Archaeological Evidence (Cont.) Coins -dated accurately because emperor’s heads and names -help determine date of level of soil being excavated Pottery -accurate dates from designs on pottery -easily found because it doesn’t rot -broken pieces found in large numbers -reveal trade and travel patterns ---If pottery from Italy was found on a British site, showed they imported goods from Italy and the owner of that villa was wealthy ***Jewelry also helps them date their findings!

Archaeological Evidence (Cont.) Archaeologists have created a detailed picture of the Roman occupation of Britain --ash, charred pottery, burned objects; indicate destruction by fire --broken rubble signifies demolition Many British sites show progress from timber-framed houses to stone houses to a grand, multi-room mansion --a lot of houses in the southeast, away from fortresses, shows that it was peaceful in the southeast

Archaeological Evidence (Cont.) Vast network of ROman roads --shows how numerous and effective communications were --Parts of towns have shown that urban life was very advanced ---large forums ---carefully laid out streets ---large buildings (temples, amphitheater) ---city walls

Inscriptional Evidence On tombstones of soldiers 1. Dedication (D m) Dis Manibus - to the spirits of the departed 2. Praenomen; first of three names, usually abbreviated to one letter ( L for Lucius) 3. Nomen, always in full (Licinius) 4. Father’s name. Usually only praenomen, single letter before “F” (Filius). Son often has same praenomen as father. 5. Tribe. Soldiers were citizens and were enrolled in one of 35 tribes used for voting. Abbreviated. (Ter = Teretina) 6. Cognomen, last of three names. Always in full (Valens) 7. Birthplace. A town in Roman empire. (ARE = Arelate) 8. Rank and legion. VETERAN for veteranus. LEG XX VV for legiones XX Valeriae Victricis (20th Legion Valeria Victrix) 9. Age, AN or ANN (for year) followed by a number. 10. Length of Service (not included on this one) STIP followed by a number 11. Final statement. Abbreviated. Usually H S E for his situs est (is buried here) or H F C for heres faciendum curavit (his heir had this stone set up) D M L LICINIUS L F TER VALENS ARE VETERAN LEG XX VV AN VL H S E