Tomb of a Military Officer found in Pompeii!
During construction to manage moisture in the San Paolino building, now home to the new library of the Pompeii Archaeological Park, archaeologists made an exciting discovery. They unearthed the tomb of Numerius Agrestinus, a respected military officer from the time of Emperor Augustus, providing new insights into Roman history and its ties to Spain.
Photo Credit: Archaeological Park of Pompeii
This significant find was announced in the E-Journal of Pompeii Excavations. Key scholars like Maria Chiara Scappaticcio, a Latin Language and Literature Professor at the University of Naples Federico II, and Alberto Dalla Rosa, a Roman History Professor at Université Bordeaux Montaigne, played crucial roles in interpreting the tomb's inscription.
Numerius Agrestinus was a prominent figure in ancient Pompeii. The inscription on his tomb highlights his prestigious career and titles:
“N(umerius) AGRESTINUS N(umerius) F(ilius) EQUITUS PULCHER TRIB(unus) MIL(itum) PRAEF(ectus) AUTRYGON(um) PRAEF(ectus) FABR(um) II D(uum)V(irus) I(ure) D(icundo) ITER(um) LOCUS SEPULTURAE DATUS D(ecreto) D(ecurionum)”
This inscription honors Numerius Agrestinus, the son of Numerius, noting his roles as a Just Knight, military tribune, prefect of the Autrygoni, prefect of engineers, and twice a Duumvir by jurisdiction. His burial site was granted by the city council’s decree. The inscription, beautifully carved and still showing traces of its original red paint, offers a glimpse into his esteemed life.
Photo Credit: Archaeological Park of Pompeii
Interestingly, Numerius Agrestinus is also mentioned in another funerary inscription in the Porta Nocera necropolis, where his wife, Veia Barchilla, erected a monument for them both. This indicates that the council of decurions later decided to honor him with a public monument.
The title “praefectus Autrygonum” is particularly notable. The Autrigones were a people from northern Iberia, and this title links Numerius Agrestinus to the Cantabrian wars led by Augustus from 29 to 19 BC. This previously unknown title adds new layers to our understanding of Roman power structure during the transition from Republic to Empire.
Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the Director of the Pompeii Archaeological Park, explained, “This discovery highlights the network of power connecting the empire’s elites, who were promised economic rewards and social prestige for their service. Holding the highest magistracy in Pompeii twice and being honored with a public funerary monument shows the recognition and loyalty to someone who fought for the empire’s cause.”
Photo Credit: Archaeological Park of Pompeii
The discovery of Numerius Agrestinus’s tomb offers a fascinating look into the history of ancient Rome and its connections to Spain. It underscores how ongoing research and preservation in Pompeii continue to uncover new aspects of the past, deepening our understanding of Roman history and its extensive influence.