Lucius Duccius Rufinus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lucius Duccius Rufinus
|
|
|---|---|
Tombstone of Lucius Duccius Rufinus]
|
|
| Died | Eboracum |
| Allegiance | Roman Empire |
| Rank | Signifer |
| Unit | Legio IX Hispana |
Lucius Duccius Rufinus was a standard-bearer for the Legio IX Hispana, a powerful Roman army unit. A standard-bearer was a very important soldier. They carried the legion's special flag or symbol, called a vexillum, into battle. This symbol helped guide the soldiers and showed their pride.
We know about Lucius Duccius Rufinus because of his tombstone. This stone was carved to remember him after he died. It gives us clues about his life as a Roman soldier.
Finding Lucius Duccius Rufinus's Tombstone
Lucius Duccius Rufinus is known only from his carved stone tombstone. It was found in 1688 in York, England. The stone was discovered near Holy Trinity Church in an area called Micklegate.
A man named Ralph Thoresby first wrote about the discovery in 1706. He explained that workers were about to break up the stone. Luckily, his friend, Dr. Bryan Fairfax, saved it. Dr. Fairfax made sure the tombstone was placed upright. This way, its important message could be read.
By 1732, the tombstone had moved to Ribston Hall. This was a large house near Wetherby. In 1847, Mr. Joseph Dent, who owned Ribston Hall, gave the tombstone to the Yorkshire Museum. You can still see it there today.
What the Tombstone Looks Like
This special tombstone was likely made between AD 71 and AD 125. It is quite tall, standing about 1.88 meters (6 feet 2 inches) high. It is also about 0.66 meters (2 feet 2 inches) wide.
The top of the stone is shaped like a gable, similar to a roof. It has a cross inside a circle carved into it. The tombstone shows a male figure standing and looking straight ahead. This figure is Lucius Duccius Rufinus himself. He is wearing a simple military uniform. In one hand, he holds a vexillum, his legion's standard. In his other hand, he holds a box of writing tablets.
The Message on the Stone
The tombstone has an important message carved into it. This message is called an inscription. It is written in six lines of Latin. The inscription tells us more about Lucius Duccius Rufinus.
Here is what the Latin inscription says:
L(VCIVS) DVCCIVS; L(VCI FILIVS) VOLT(INA) TRIBV) RVFI; NVS (DOMO) VIEN(NA); SIGNIF(IER) LEG(IONIS) VIIII: AN(NORVM) XXIIX: H(IC) S(ITVS) E(ST)
And here is what it means in English:
Lucius Duccius Rufinus, son of Lucius, of the Voltinian tribe, from Vienne, a standard-bearer of the Ninth Legion, 28 years old. He is laid here.
This inscription tells us his full name, his father's name, and his tribe. It also says he was from a place called Vienne. Most importantly, it confirms he was a standard-bearer for the Ninth Legion. It also tells us he was only 28 years old when he died.
