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Base for statue of Faltonius Probus Alypius, prefect of the City and patron. Rome. 391.

INSCRIPTION:
In three lines. Letter height 4-2.5 cm.

Faltonio Probo / Alypio, v(iro) c(larissimo), praef(ecto) urb(i), / patrono praestantissimo.

'To Faltonius Probus Alypius, of clarissimus rank, prefect of the City, most outstanding patron.'

Line one extends beyond the epigraphic field, and the final letter 'o' had to be carved over the moulding.

DESCRIPTION (CIL and photograph):
Rectangular plinth for statue, 22.5 x 58 x 60cm.The epigraphic field is deep, indicating re-use. The inscription is framed by moulding, running over it on the first line. The top is damaged on the left side.

PROVENANCE AND LOCATION:
The base was discovered in 1892, during excavations on the site of the old church of S. Maria in Cacabariis (or Cacaberis), on piazza Benedetto Cairoli in the southern Campus Martius. It is not clear whether this was its original location, but in all probability it was out of context. It is now in the Antiquario Comunale del Celio.

HONORAND, AWARDER AND DATE:
The base was dedicated by an unknown client to his patron, then (in 391) prefect of the City Faltonius Probus Alypius (PLRE I, 49 Alypius 13).

Carlos Machado

Main Reference

Corpus Inscriptionum Latinarum; , VI, 31975 (+p. 4798)