by sofiatalvik:
I’ve summarized the report from the Spanish archeologists with what I’ve found might be missing in the cracked section of the stone.
Thank you for the corrected inscription. Here’s the revised analysis with the updated details:
Dis Manibus Sacrum C. IVLIVS OP[TATUS] TANDVS ANNORVM III PIS Sit tibi terra levis
- Dis Manibus Sacrum (Sacred to the Spirits of the Dead): A standard phrase found on Roman funerary inscriptions.
- C. IVLIVS OP[TATUS]: Refers to “Gaius Julius Optatus,” where “Optatus” is a common Roman cognomen meaning “chosen” or “desired.”
- TANDVS: Likely a cognomen or part of a name, potentially “Tandus.”
- ANNORVM: This indicates the age of the deceased, with “annorum” meaning “years.” This suggests the deceased lived for three years.
- III PIS: This could stand for “pius in suis,” which translates to “pious towards his own” or “devoted to his family.”
- Sit tibi terra levis (May the earth be light upon you): A common Latin epitaph expressing a wish for the deceased to rest peacefully.
Putting it all together, the inscription can be interpreted as follows:
Sacred to the Spirits of the Dead Gaius Julius Optatus Tandus [aged] three years Pious towards his own May the earth be light upon you
This inscription honors the memory of Gaius Julius Optatus Tandus, emphasizing his young age of three years and his piety towards his family, and ends with a traditional wish for peaceful rest.
