Epitaph of Gaius M Zosimus
Edition
G(aio) M[---] Zosimo b(ene)f(iciario) leg(ionis)
VII Gem(inae) P(iae) F(elicis) natione
Italo stipe(n)dioron (sic)
5XX q(ui) vixit ann(i)s
XXXVII mensibus VII
diebus XXXXVIIII (sic) Iunia
Vera coniug(i) benignissi
mo et [o]urcinio (sic) posuit
10h(ic) [s(itus)] e(st) s(it) t(ibi) t(erra) l(evis)
Apparatus
L.4. EDH corrects stipedioron to stipe(n)diorum. AE 1983, 489 reads stipendioron. L.5. EDH marks the i in annis as omitted by stonecutter rather than an abbreviation.
L.9. EDH corrects urcinio to [p]iissimo. AE 1983, 489 reads virginio.
Translation
Sacred to the Spirits of the Dead, to Gaius M(- - -) Zosimus, beneficiarius, of the VII legion Gemina Pia Felix of the people of Italy, served for 20 years, lived for 37 years, 7 months, 48(!) days, Iunia Vera set this up for the kindest and most dutiful (?) husband, here he lies, may the earth rest lightly upon you.
Commentary
Palao Vicente (2006: 178) dates this to 197-212. A beneficiarius was a soldier seconded for special duties to a senior officer (as a beneficium), especially beneficiarius consulares, an officer on the governor's staff. Palao Vicente (2006: 152) notes that this beneficiarius was also most likely on the staff of the governor of Lusitania, hence his presence in Emerita while still on active service. This inscription is mapped to a representative point in the province of Italia.
Bibliography
20441 1983, 487 1991, 952 1992, 955 224
Bibliography
AE: 1983, 487
AE: 1991, 952
AE: 1992, 955
EDH: 224
HEpOnl: 20441
Object Type
Tabula
Date
CE 197-212
Modern Findspot
Merida
Ancient Findspot
Conventus
Emeritensis
Province
Lusitania