Original scientific paper
The Constantius II. Inscription Built in the palace of the Tavilić familiy in Trogir
Nenad Cambi
Abstract
The family coat of arms in the shape of the shield reveals that the palace belonged to the Tavilić family from Šibenik (fig. 1). A front of a sarcophagus chest is built into the wall on the back side of the palace (fig. 2). The object of this study is a fragment of hardly legible
inscription which is built into the wall near the window on the second floor. However, it is clear that the epigraph is very important one since it belonged to an emperor. Unfortunately, it is too high, so it could be shot only by tele lens, but the angle is not favourable (fig. 3-7). Some of these pictures are taken from the window by a photo pole but the results are not satisfying.
Here is an attempt of the deciphering of the inscription:
au]/ (the first line is illegible)
TOCRATOR DIVI F(ilius) [auotocrato]/
RI CONST[ntii et]/
I[M]P(eratori) C(ai) VAL [eri Maximiani nepoti]/
ICA/
VI
According to the name CONST and filiation divi f(ilius), it is certain that the inscription mentions an emperor. Divi f(ilius) is also a clear indication of the character of the epigraph. The last emperor that was divinised was Constantine the Great. So, the epigraph belonged to one of his sons, very probably Constantius II, after the final defeat of his both brothers (Constans and Constantine II).
The name Const in genitive case could refer only to Constantius II grandfather Constantius I who was the founder of Constantinian familiy. His title is a Greek translation autocrator instead of Latin imperator. Third person is imp(erator) Gius Valerius who obviously belonged
to the hereditary line of Constantius the First. In this case, as was rather common in the Latin epigraphic tradition, father and grandfather
were mentioned. Maybe that even grandfather was remembered. This custom came in the usage in the period of Constantine, as is often evidenced by inscriptions. Unfortunately this segment of the inscription fails. Diocletians' colleague Maximina repeatedly appeared as the grandfather from the mother's side in the inscriptions belonging to Constantine's the Great sons. But, there are some problems. Maximian is M(arcus) Aurelius Valerius, not C(aius) as is stated in the Trogir's
inscription. Maximan had with Euthropia son Maxentius and daughter Fausta, the second wife of Constantine I, the Great, who was the mother of Constans, Constantine II and Constantius II. Thus Maximian was in the direct family line to Constantius II. There is also another family link of Maximian with the family of Constantius I. The Maksimian's second wife Euthropia had the daughter Theodora, the second wife of the Constantius I. Theodora bore six children the half brothers of Constantine the Great. The title autocrator is unusual in the West, but it is not completely unknown. This title corresponded to the title imp(erator). Given to the rather large number of Constantius II epigraphs relating to Constantius II in Salona it is very probably that this emperor carried out some building enterprises in Salona
but in this case in Tragurium.
Keywords
Trogir; palace Tavilić; Constantius II.
Hrčak ID:
215874
URI
Publication date:
30.10.2018.
Visits: 1.300 *