Epitaph of Macedone (Milan, Italy)
Excavations carried out under Milan's basilica of Sant'Eustorgio in the 19th and mid-20th century uncovered an area that was once a cemetery in Late Antiquity. The remains of an apse were found, which may have been a martyr shrine, funerary basilica or some other type of monument. Burials and memorial inscriptions were also found nearby.
This inscription, now in 13 fragments, marked the grave of Heliodorus Macedone, who had the title "vir egregius", indicating his equestrian rank. A graffitto under the text depicts a man dressed in tunic and pallium, indicative of his eastern origins and/or his devotion to learning. He is standing in the orans position, indicating prayer. Macedone was about 70 years old when he died. The inscription was dedicated by his nephew Theocles. The inscription has been dated to between 471 and 600.
The Latin text reads: [Heliod]or[o] Macedoni/q[ui] vixit ann(os) pl(us) m(inus) LXX/ Theocles fr(atris) fil(ius) v(iro) e(gregio) me(moriam) p(o)s(ui)t/ d(ie) m K(alendas) d9ecembres)
For more photos, travel stories, and musings on religion, follow me on Twitter @arturoviaggia and Mastadon @arturoviaggia@zirk.us
Epitaph of Macedone (Milan, Italy)
Excavations carried out under Milan's basilica of Sant'Eustorgio in the 19th and mid-20th century uncovered an area that was once a cemetery in Late Antiquity. The remains of an apse were found, which may have been a martyr shrine, funerary basilica or some other type of monument. Burials and memorial inscriptions were also found nearby.
This inscription, now in 13 fragments, marked the grave of Heliodorus Macedone, who had the title "vir egregius", indicating his equestrian rank. A graffitto under the text depicts a man dressed in tunic and pallium, indicative of his eastern origins and/or his devotion to learning. He is standing in the orans position, indicating prayer. Macedone was about 70 years old when he died. The inscription was dedicated by his nephew Theocles. The inscription has been dated to between 471 and 600.
The Latin text reads: [Heliod]or[o] Macedoni/q[ui] vixit ann(os) pl(us) m(inus) LXX/ Theocles fr(atris) fil(ius) v(iro) e(gregio) me(moriam) p(o)s(ui)t/ d(ie) m K(alendas) d9ecembres)
For more photos, travel stories, and musings on religion, follow me on Twitter @arturoviaggia and Mastadon @arturoviaggia@zirk.us