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Gentleman's Magazine 1842 part 2 p.599
[be]came synonymous. I read the inscription thus:-
I.O.M. ET VLK.
Pro salute Domini Nostri Marci Antonini Gordiani
Pii Felicis, Augusti septimum, magnam Aram
Cohors prima Augusta dedit.
If I read the last line correctly, this is the only
Inscription recorded to have been found at Old Carlisle
which make mention of a Cohort, and which in doing so
distinctly informs us of what before was merely a matter of
conjecture, - that the Ala Augusta was a military body
composed of horse and foot. And this, it appears to me, is
the only new historical information that can be
gathered from it.
After an attentive examination of the original, I am of
opinion, that No.6, in your list of Inscriptions found at
Old Carlisle, cannot be read otherwise than thus:-
I.O.M
Pro salute domini nostri Marci Antonini pii felicis Agusti -
(Rufus Colegius cui Praefectus est) - Ala Agusta -
Quartum Imperatore Antonino et Balbino secundum
Consulibus.
The peculiarities of this Inscription are - Cui
Praefectus est, instead of Cu Praest, and Quartum
before the name of the Consul, instead of
after it; but it agrees fully with all similar
Inscriptions found at Old Carlisle, in being dedicated by
the Ala, and not its Praefect.
Allow me to offer for your consideration a conjectural
reading, somewhat different to yours, of No.12 in your Old
Carlisle list:-
Deae AEternae Romae
Templum
L. Vaternus Marcellus
Restituit.
Romae AEternae occurs in two Inscriptions found at
Ellenborough; and this reading agrees tolerably with the
remaining letters, and the probable dimensions of the stone
when perfect.
If correct drawings of this, and the preceding Inscription,
would be of any use to you, I will endeavour to have them
made, and send them to you.
If my recollection does not deceive me, a wish was expressed
in the Gentleman's Magazine, that you would publish that
portion of your History of Northumberland which relates to
Roman Antiquities in a separate form. Unfeignedly concurring
in this wish,
I remain, Dear Sir, yours truly,
RICHARD MATTHEWS.
Rev. John Hodgson,
Hartburn, Northumberland.
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