Latin inscriptions, both referring to Peter (the Apostle, E00036), on two keystones of a church in Sicca Veneria (Proconsularis, central North Africa). 6th/7th c.
Evidence ID
E08161
Type of Evidence
Archaeological and architectural - Cult buildings (churches, mausolea)
Inscriptions - Formal inscriptions (stone, mosaic, etc.)
Inscription 1 (Duval no. 44): In situ keystone of the arch fronting the apse of a Christian basilica in Sicca Veneria. In the centre of the stone, in low relief, is a Greek cross within a circle (possibly representing a rudimentary floral crown). Above the cross are the letters DMNS, and within the arms of the cross the letters P, T, R and S.
Hence:
D(o)mn(u)s
P(e)tr(u)s
'Lord Peter'
Inscription 2 (Duval no. 45): A second keystone from the same basilica (this one found in collapsed rubble), with a similar Greek cross in low relief. Within its upper arm it carries the letters SCS, with a T below; and in the other arms the letters P, R and S.
Hence:
S(an)c(tu)s P(e)tr(u)s
'Saint Peter'
Text: Duval 1982, no. 44-45.
Translation: Stanisław Adamiak
Source
Both inscriptions, which are certainly contemporary, are from a basilica at Sicca Veneria, which is dated to the Byzantine period (6th/7th c.). There are no recorded measurements for the first inscription (which is high up in situ); but the second one, which was perhaps over the entrance to the church, is 50 cm high, 40 cm wide at the top (25 at the bottom), and 112 cm thick.Discussion
There can be no doubt, from the evidence of these inscriptions, that the church was dedicated to Peter.Bibliography
Edition and commentary:Duval, Y., Loca sanctorum Africae: Le culte des martyrs en Afrique du IVe au VIIe siècle (Rome: École Française de Rome, 1982), vol. 1, 96-97, no. 44-45.
Images
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From Y. Duval 1982, no. 44
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From Y. Duval 1982, no. 44
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From Y. Duval 1982, no. 45
Record Created By
Date of Entry
| ID | Name | Name in Source | Identity | S00036 | Peter, the Apostle | Petrus | Certain |
|---|
Please quote this record referring to its author, database name, number, and, if possible, stable URL:
, Cult of Saints, E08161 - http://csla.history.ox.ac.uk/record.php?recid=E08161