Graveslab of Salmanes, Shirva, Antonine Wall

3D Model

A graveslab erected to Salmanes, a fifteen year old boy, by his father, also called Salmanes. It was found before 1731 at Shirva, near Twechar and is 49 cm wide by 122 cm high and 11 cm thick. The inscription reads:

“To the spirits of the departed, Salmanes lived fifteen years. Salmanes put (this) up”.

The name suggests a Middle Eastern origin for both, reflecting the multicultural nature of the Roman community on the Antonine Wall. As no rank is given for Salmanes senior, it is possible that he was a trader or merchant.

The Antonine Wall stretched right across Scotland, from the Clyde to the Forth. Constructed around 142 AD, and occupied for only 20 years, the remains of its ramparts, steep ditches, forts and bathhouses are still visible today. Since 2008, it has been part of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire World Heritage Site.

More information on the World Heritage Site is available on www.antoninewall.org

Reference: F.37 Hunterian Museum, Glasgow