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Bill Thayer

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Taken Care Of With Love


[image ALT: A Roman inscription.]
Transcribed, expanded, and spelling standardized to classical Latin:
1
2
BRVMASIAE FILIaE DVLCISSIMaE BENEME-
RENTI QVaE VIXIT ANN
o I MeNsibus VIIII IN PACE
Translated:
To Brumasia, sweetest daughter, well-deserving
(of this inscription), who lived 1 year 9 months. (She is) at peace.

about 1 meter long
4th century A.D.?
porch of S. Maria in Trastevere, Rome

The dove and the phrase IN PACE mark this as a Christian epitaph, and considering infant mortality rates in the ancient world, the inscription is a beautiful and expensive one. Little Brumasia's parents must have loved her very much; unlike most Roman parents, they don't so much as mention themselves on her stone, but give her a good burial and know that she is at peace.

What a world of difference with another tombstone just a few feet away in this same church narthex!


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Page updated: 2 Jun 01