91Èȱ¬

This slab was found near Castle Hill Roman Fort, and was picked by Helen Green, third year student at the University of Glasgow (Single Honours Archaeology). Helen writes - The abbreviated inscription translates as 'For Emperor Caesar Titua Aelius Hadrianus Antoninus Augustus Pius, father of his country, a detachment of the Twentieth Valiant and Victorious Legion built [this] over a distance of 3,000 feet'. The slab marks the completion of 3,000 feet of the Antonine wall by the Twentieth Legion - a testament to their labour, as well as marking the distance. In the centre, under what appears to be a triumphal arch, is a female figure who is probably either the goddess Victory or a personification of the Roman province Britannia. She is placing a small wreath onto the eagle held by the legion's standard-bearer, portrayed in a humble posture suggesting he is in the presence of divinity. At either side are defeated natives, with bound hands. At the bottom is a jumping boar, the badge of the Twentieth Legion, symbolising the courage and fierceness of its soldiers. I like this artefact because it shows great skill in sculpture and sophisticated symbolism.