Tombstone

Large Tombstone - this was rescued from Hexham Abbey and belongs to a Roman soldier of the rank of standard-bearer, who was killed at the age of twenty-five and buried at Corstopitum (Corbridge).

It represents a mounted soldier riding over a prostrate barbarian. The soldier is well armed, wears a helmet with high crest and plume, and round his neck is a torque, which indicates his high rank. In his right hand he carries the standard which displays the sun god, Sol, in a circle. The long sword is sheathed, and no other weapon is seen.

The barbarian is naked, and carries a large oval shield by a strap with his left arm, while his right hand grasps a short leaf-shaped sword of strikingly different form to that worn by his conqueror.

Below the sculpture is the inscription :

DIS. MANIBVS. FLAVINVS
EQ. ALAE. PETR. SIGNIFER
TFR. CANDIDI. AN. XXV
STIP. VII. H. S.

" To the shades of the departed to Flavinus standard-bearer of the cavalry of Petriana of the white troop, twenty-five years of age and seven years' service is laid here."
Tullie House Museum, Carlisle, England.
February 2012.