Centurion Stele

myminifactory

The pedestal and shrine are crafted from two distinct blocks of limestone, each with a unique depth. An inscription honors Minucius Lorarius, a centurion within the Martia legion. The recess is completely taken up by the figure of a centurion standing straight and dressed in uniform. A tunic is covered by a cloak fastened at the chest, and around the waist, a belt (cingulum) is secured with a small dagger (pugio) hanging from it. The left hand, wearing the centurion's own ring, grasps the sword (gladius), while the right hand holds a vine branch (vitis), another distinctive mark of his charge. It appears that sturdy shoes are covered by overshoes. Two holes on the garment's sides possibly indicate attachment points for a metal crown in commemoration of the perpetual privilege of wearing an olive crown during public ceremonies, reserved exclusively for soldiers within the martial legion. The unusual size and the selection of a rare complete figure clearly demonstrate how service in the military was a means to ascend the social ladder.