Bierzo Edict facts for kids
The Bierzo Edict is a very old document from Roman times. It's also called the Edict of Augustus from El Bierzo or the Bembibre Bronze. An edict is like a special order or law given by a powerful leader. This document is a bronze tablet found in El Bierzo, Spain. It was discovered in the year 1000, but it was made much earlier, in 15 BCE.
The bronze tablet is about the size of a small book, measuring 24.15 centimeters by 15.6 centimeters. It even has a small ring at the top. Some experts think it's one long order from Augustus, who was a Roman emperor. Others believe it's actually two separate orders given on two different days: February 14th and February 15th.
What the Edict Says
The original text of the edict is in Latin. It's a message from Emperor Augustus himself.
Here's what the edict generally says:
- Emperor Augustus, a powerful Roman leader, recognized that certain people were loyal.
- He knew this because his "legates" (who were like governors or generals) told him.
- These loyal people were from a group called the Paemeiobrigenses, part of the Susarri tribe.
- They stayed loyal even when others rebelled.
- Because of their loyalty, Augustus gave them "permanent immunity." This meant they wouldn't have to pay certain taxes or do certain duties.
- He also confirmed that they could keep their land. This land had the same borders as when his legate Lucius Sextus Quirinalis was in charge.
- The edict also talks about another group, the Aliobrigiaecinos, from the Gigurri tribe.
- Augustus ordered that these Aliobrigiaecinos should join the Susarri people.
- They would then share all the duties and responsibilities with the Susarri.
- The edict was officially announced in a place called Narbo Martius (which is now Narbonne in France).
- It was dated to the 16th and 15th days before the Kalends of March. This means it was issued on February 14th and 15th.
- The edict also mentions the names of the consuls (top Roman officials) at that time: M. Drusus Libo and L. Calpurnius Piso.
Is It Real?
The Bierzo Edict is a very interesting historical find, but it's also a bit controversial. This means that some experts aren't completely sure if it's entirely real or if there are parts that might be fake.
In 2001, a special meeting was held in León, Spain. Experts from around the world came together to discuss the bronze tablet. They looked at several things that seemed unusual:
- They studied the amount of lead in the bronze itself.
- They examined the way the text was written, looking for any strange words or phrases.
- They questioned why there were two different dates mentioned for the edict.
- They also discussed the specific title given to Emperor Augustus in the document.
All these discussions help historians and archaeologists learn more about ancient Rome and how these documents were made.
See also
In Spanish: Bronce de Bembibre para niños
