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Discussion

Base for statue of Constantine I, emperor; erected by a curator of the water-supply. Rome, Forum. 328.

INSCRIPTION
In seven lines, with four extra lines of dating inscription. Letter height 4-3 cm (main text); 2.5-3 cm (dating inscription).

Optimo et venerabili / d(omino) n(ostro) Constantino, / maximo, victori, pio, / semper Aug(usto). /(5) Fl(avius) Maesius Egnatius / Lollianus, v(ir) c(larissimus), curator / aquar(um) et Minic(iae), d(evotus) n(umini) m(aistati)q(ue) e(ius). // Dedicata cum statione / a Fl(avio) Lolliano, c(larissimo) v(iro), cur(atore), / Kal(endis) Martis / Ianuarino et Iusto conss(ulibus).

'To the best and venerable, our lord Constantine, greatest, victor, pious, forever Augustus. Fl(avius) Maesius Egnatius Lollianus, of clarissimus rank, supervisor of the aqueducts and of the [Porticus] Minicia, devoted to his divine spirit and majesty,[set this up]. (on left side) Dedicated with his unit by Flavius Lollianus, of clarissimus rank, curator, on the Kalends of March in the consulship of Ianuarinus and Iustus.'

DESCRIPTION (personal inspection)
White marble base, 82 x 55 x 50 cm. The epigraphic field is framed by moulding. It is deep and rough, indicating eerasure of earlier inscription. The right side is roughly dressed. The left side has a dating inscription. The top is badly damaged, possibly with circular indent.

PROVENANCE AND CURRENT LOCATION
The base was found in the Forum, in the area of the Lacus Iuturna. It is still there Sopr. For.-Pal. Inv. N. 12461.

HONORAND, AWARDER AND DATE
The base was dedicated to Constantine. It was set up by Flavius Maesius Egnatius Lollianus, who was supervisor of the aqueducts and of the Porticus Minucia (or Minicia). Lollianus was later going to be appointed prefect of Rome, consul and praetorian prefect (PLRE I, 512-514 Lollianus 5). The dating inscription informs us that Lollianus dedicated this statue with the officials in his office.

Our dedication is dated by the inscription on the side, to 328.

Carlos Machado

Main Reference

Corpus Inscriptionum Latinarum; , VI, 36951 (+p. 4354-5)

Discussion References

Jones, A. H. M. et al., The Prosopography of the Later Roman Empire. Vol. I 260-395, Cambridge et al. 1971 (1975), pp. 512-514 (Lollianus 5)


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