Latin inscription recording the deposition of relics of *Maxima, Donatilla and Secunda (virgins and martyrs of Thuburbo, S01812), and the presence of relics of *Vincentius (deacon of Zaragoza and martyr of Valencia, S00290) and *Crispina (of Thagora, martyred at Theveste, S00905); with invocation of the Archangels *Michael (S00181) and *Gabriel (S00192). Found near Theveste (Numidia, central North Africa). Probably 6th c.
E08263
Inscriptions - Formal inscriptions (stone, mosaic, etc.)
In the centre of the slab is a monogrammed cross, flanked by alpha and omega and all contained within a circular inscribed band (see the Image):
Inscription 1 (in two lines across the bottom of the slab within ruled lines:
Memoria sanctae Maximae
[Don]atillae et Secundae
'Relics (memoria) of the holy Maxima,
Donatilla and Secunda'
Inscription 2 (in smaller letters, but of similar form, running round the band that surrounds the cross, starting at the top):
+ posita a d(o)m(in)o patre Faustino episcopo urbis Tebestinae sub die V idus ian(ua)r(ias) indict(ione) XIII
'+ placed [here] by [our] lord and father Faustinus, bishop of the city of Theveste, on the 5th day before the Ides of January, 13th indiction.'
Inscription 3 (in somewhat irregular letters, filling the spaces between the circular band and the edges of the slab. In the text below we do not indicate the many line-divisions of the original):
+ Archangelus Mikael et Gabriel [Mem]ori/a s(an)c(t)i Bincenti martiris s(an)c(ta)e Crispinae martiris
'+ The Archangels Michael and Gabriel. Memory of the holy martyr Vincentius, of the holy martyr Crispina.'
Text: Duval 1982, no. 64.
Translation: Stanisław Adamiak
Women
Angels
Source
The slab, 51 x 51 cm and 10 cm thick, was found in 1906 by Guénin in the ruins of a small church. It is now in the Museum of Tebessa.It is generally agreed that Inscriptions 1 and 2 are contemporary: the use of the indiction in the date, and the letter-forms, suggest a sixth-century date
Inscription 3, which is less accomplished, is presumably a later addition.
Discussion
The relics whose deposition is described and dated in Inscriptions 1 and 2 are of three companion martyrs with well-attested cult in Africa. The saints in the later Inscription 3 are, almost certainly, Vincent, deacon of Zaragoza and martyr of Valencia, whose cult in Africa is also well attested (for instance in sermons by Augustine), and, certainly, Crispina, who suffered martyrdom in nearby Theveste.The archangels, whose names are not in the genitive, are presumably being invoked.
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, 138-142, no. 64.
Images
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From Y. Duval 1982, no 64
Stanisław Adamiak
09/12/2021
| ID | Name | Name in Source | Identity | S00181 | Michael, the Archangel | Mikael | Certain | S00192 | Gabriel, the Archangel | Gabriel | Certain | S00290 | Vincentius/Vincent, deacon of Zaragoza and martyr of Valencia | Bincentius | Uncertain | S00905 | Crispina, of Thagora, martyred at Theveste, with companions | Crispina | Certain | S01812 | Maxima, Donatilla and Secunda, virgins and martyrs of Thuburbo | Maxima; Secunda; Donatilla | Certain |
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Please quote this record referring to its author, database name, number, and, if possible, stable URL:
Stanisław Adamiak, Cult of Saints, E08263 - http://csla.history.ox.ac.uk/record.php?recid=E08263