78 | A Roman marble gravestone of a venator, 3rd century A.D. Apart fromminimal spalling the gravestone of a man-at-arms completely preserved, in white marble, covered in brownish sinter. His dress, hair and style suggest that it originates from the provinces of the Mediterranean region of Asia Minor. The lateral pilasters with an undulating tendril, above which an arch with palm trees at the sides und centre top, forming an aedicula, in which the portrayed figure stands at the front. At the base the epitaph “(tr). Menophilos in memory of his most dearly beloved brother Trophimos” inscribed in Greek. His hair falling in abundant curls, the man wears a tunic with numerous appliquéd strips of material, a length of cloth draped above his right knee that is difficult to interpret . A short lance with barbed point in his right hand. A balteus (sword belt) draped over his shoulder, with characteristic fittings (phalera and tongue piece), from which a sword is suspended. Behind which a small , presumably circular, shield can be seen with pendent linear ornaments. His left hand holding a second sword. His footwear sculpted without definition or intricate detail. Although his attire includes military elements, it does not signify clearly that the man was a soldier. His hairstyle is non-military. His garments are not consistent with traditional military dress, appearing excessively sumptuous, probably with colourful embellishments. Inter alia, he wears neither a typical soldier’s cloak (sagum) nor a soldier’s 43
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDA0OTk=