Bremetennacum

[poliphilo]

The fort at Ribchester (Bremetennacum) was garrisoned by Asturians (from northern Spain) and later by Sarmatians (from modern Hungary).  These were cavalry units (and I'm guessing the ethos- out on the frontiers of Empire- must have been comparable to that of the Wild West forts in John Ford's cavalry movies). Later it became a settlement for veterans- and the local administrative centre.  Judging by some of the carved stone on display it must- in its later phases- have been quite a swanky place.

According to a tradition first recorded in the 16th century, "It was written on a wall in Rome that Ribchester is as rich as any town in Christendom."

This is the museum's most spectacular possession- the gravestone of an Asturian cavalryman. 

Comments

[pondhopper.livejournal.com]

Having seen a good bit of Astur (in Asturias) art here in Spain I can say that this piece is excellent. And it's a gravestone? What a wonderful memorial.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

It's fine, isn't it! Roman cavalrymen were commonly shown on their gravestones riding down the enemy. I've seen quite a few- but this is one of the best preserved.

[shanghai7.livejournal.com]

Romans did what the British did 2000 years later, moved ethnic units to the other side of the Empire. Nubians/Sudanese did not care less about punishing Celts and vice versa. Paddy and Jock did not care about starving Indians and Bengalis.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Yup, the strategies of Empire remain the same.

[shewhomust.livejournal.com]

Oh, he is very splendid.

[endlessrarities.livejournal.com]

One of our lecturers always used to comment that he found it amusing that the naked barbarian is always cowering beneath the hooves - while it's the Roman soldier who actually came off worst in the battle...