Gravestone of Julius Valens

On his retirement from the legion, Julius Valens started a new life close to the fortress, possibly because he had formed an attachment with a local woman. He allegedly survived to the age of 100. His wife died aged 75, and is commemorated on a second stone, set up by their son Gaius Julius Martinus (see previous photo).

D(is) M(anibus)
Iul(ius) Valens vet(eranus)
leg(ionis) II Aug(ustae) vixit
annis C Iul(ia)
Secundina coniunx
et Iul(ius) Martinus filius
f(aciendum) c(uraverunt)

‘To the spirits of the departed; Julius Valens, veteran of the Second Augustan Legion, lived 100 years; Julia Secundina, his wife, and Julius Martinus, his son, had this set up.’

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