judaism_and_rome 2026-07-22T04:48:50+02:00 1 268 Inscription https://heurist.huma-num.fr/heurist/?recID=268&db=judaism_and_rome 2022-08-16 23:18:41 2025-07-22 16:56:40 public Caracalla’s court minutes in Dmeir (Syria) The texts were inscribed on the ante and podium of the temple. The letter forms are irregular and the text is damaged at many points. 0216 0216 4373 Latin Greek 2073 2182 2181 2574 2180 2179 2177 2178 2176 3807 2729 2175 2331 2071 2174 2173 2171 <p>This bilingual inscription is not common. Carved on the walls of a temple in the town of Dmeir (<a href="https://tools.wmflabs.org/geohack/geohack.php?pagename=Al-Dumayr&amp;params=33_38_31_N_36_41_34_E_region:SY_type:city(24223)">Ad Dumayr</a>), 40 km away from Damascus on the route to Palmyra, the text reproduces the minutes of a judicial hearing attended by the emperor Caracalla in Antioch. Epigraphic instead of papyrological testimonies of such records are exceptional and can, therefore, shed some light on the process and procedures attached to local petitions outside Egypt during the Roman imperial period. The inscription also shows some of the effects caused by the visit of the emperors in the Near East and the topics that may have attracted their attention.<br /><br />By the 27^th May (i.e. the 6^th day before the Kalends of June) of the year in which P. Catius Sabinus and P. Cornelius Anullinus were holding the consulship (i.e. 216 CE), Caracalla had returned to Antioch. The emperor was coming from Alexandria to the Syrian capital before launching his final and fatal campaign against Parthia (see Halfmann, <em>Itinera</em>, p. 225), and the inscription records the triumphal titles incorporated after the death of his father Septimius Severus (see Kienast, <em>Kaisertabelle</em>, p. 163). The judicial session opened with the salutation from the praetorian prefects, the chiefs of the imperial offices and a group labelled as “friends” (<em>amici</em>). This ceremonial procedure was customary as confirmed by a notice in the Codex of Justinian (IX.51.1) referring to another collegiate decision taken by Caracalla. As for the presence of people accompanying the emperor, it shows the relevance of his entourage (or <em>comitatus</em>) in the decision-making even when the imperial court was on the move (cf. Pliny, <em>Letters</em> VI.31.13; see Eck, “Der Kaiser” and Schöpe, <em>Der römische Kaiserhof</em>). Once Caracalla had seated in an auditorium – no details about its exact location in Antioch are given – he ordered (<em>iussit</em>) a man called Aurelius Carzeus to enter. The man, most likely a very recent Roman citizen after the <em>Constitutio Antoniniana</em>,was acting as defendant (<em>defensor</em>) in a hearing (<em>cognitio</em>) against the contractor (<em>mancipes</em>) Avidius Hadrianus (perhaps a descendant of Avidius Cassius; cf. Bru, <em>Le Pouvoir</em>, p. 58) which Caracalla has deemed worthy of his attention. The parties, however, were not alone but actually assisted by lawyers (<em>advocati</em>), and this is one of the most interesting elements of the very formal proceedings. Egnatius Iulianus and Lollianus Aristaenetus were not local advocates (see Crook, <em>Legal Advocacy</em>). Even though the names were mixed up in the inscription, the latter man can be identified with a famous sophist from Byzantium mentioned by Philostratus in his <em>Lives </em>(II.11), who was honoured in Italy (<em>CIL </em>VI.1511-12) and may have reached the governorship of Bithynia and Pontus. The career of Victor Egnatius Lollianus was even more remarkable as this rhetor became consul and acted three consecutive times as proconsul of Asia in the mid-3^rd century (<em>PIR</em>²E 36; see Haensch, “L. Egnatius,” vs. Christol, “Lucius Egnatius”). Caracalla had therefore appointed two of the most cultured men of his entourage to act in favour of parties that were to either benefit or suffer from their rhetorical displays and exercises. The evidence from Dmeir accordingly shows the gradual incorporation of leading Greek scholars, such as Aelius Zeuxidemus Ariston Zenon, into the Roman imperial administration, which reached its climax in the Severan period (see de Blois, “Administrative Strategies”). Indeed, Caracalla himself was said to have appointed Heliodorus ‘the Arab’ as <em>advocatus fisci </em>just after hearing one of his epidictic declamations (Philostratus, <em>Lives of Sophists</em>, II.32).<br /><br />The formal preamble to the minutes finishes with the Latin formula <em>dixit</em> (“he said”) that introduces all the different speeches in Greek. This document sheds thus light on the usages of the different languages in the eastern Mediterranean during the high imperial period, when Latin dominated legal procedures and enunciations, but Greek could still be spoken in dealings with the Roman administration (see Rochette <em>Le latin dans le monde grec, </em>p. 108-116 and Adams, <em>Bilingualism and Latin, </em>p. 383-390). Actually, not only Aristaenetus and Lollianus made their interventions in the latter language, but also the emperor Caracalla, who could cite Euripides by heart according to Cassius Dio (Cassius Dio, <em>Roman History </em>LXXVIII.11.3-4; LXXIX.8.4), and was certainly instructed in Greek culture (Philostratus, <em>Lives of Sophists</em>, II.24-26). However, these court minutes should not be taken as indicative of the degree of proficiency in Greek by the common population of the Near East, since the speeches were performed by orators of international fame. Likewise, the inscription of Dmeir should not be regarded as proof of the level of legal knowledge existing in provinces under Roman administration. Instead, one should read this text as a possible and impressive outcome that an individual may encounter in the Severan period when presenting a petition to an emperor on the move. There, he could witness exceptional legal representatives displaying a wide and complex array of rhetorical strategies and legal terminology. For example, Aristaenetus opens his statement with a term παραγράφομαι/<em>paragraphomai</em> that is attested already in Classical Athenian judicial inscriptions and served to oppose the admission of a case in a tribunal. His argumentation tries to exploit procedural flaws that should prevent the emperor from acting as judge in this case. Lollianus, instead, affirmed that it was the emperor himself who ordered to conduct the hearing (διάγνωσις/<em>diagnôsis</em>). Probably, the most interesting aspect of Aristaenetus’ speech in relation to the application of Roman law in the provinces is that lawful appeals (ἔκκλητοι/<em>ekklêtoi</em>) needed to be first admitted in the tribunal (δικαστήριον/<em>dikastêrion</em>) of the governor (ἡγεμών/<em>hêgemôn</em>). He also criticised Aurelius Carzeus for not acting as an ambassador (πρεσβευτής/<em>presbeutês</em>) or legal representative (σύνδικος/<em>syndikos</em>) – like the emperors are known to have recommended (see <em>SEG</em> 15.108) – but rather as a private (ἰδιωτικός/<em>idiôtikos</em>) individual. Lollianus, by contrast, adopts a less legalistic approach, probably aware of the flaws of his case. Instead, he presents this issue as a humble plea (δέησις/<em>deêsis</em>) of peasants supplicating (ἱκεσία/<em>ikesia</em>) to the emperor, once Cassius, probably the governor of Syria in 213, had not granted the right to appeal. From this speech, it is also interesting to note that the emperor had personally selected this petition (ἀξίωσις/<em>axiôsis</em>) among many others submitted to his court in order to be read (ἀναγνωσθῆναι/<em>anagnôsthênai</em>).<br /><br />In principle, Caracalla appears to be leaning more towards Lollianus’ arguments. Legal flaws may exist (cf. <em>Digest</em> XLIX.5), but he still wants to hear (ἀκούσομαι/<em>akousomai</em>) the case and give his own opinion (γνώμη/<em>gnômê</em>). In other words, the authority of the emperor is superior to any judicial procedure because he is above the law (see Stolte, “Jurisdiction and Representation”). Aristaenetus’ objections are therefore dismissed and the room is open for Lollianus to describe the case. The rhetor very impressively continues his strategy to present the case as a “contest about piety” (ἀγὼν ὑπὲρ εὐσεβείας/<em>agôn hyper eusebeias</em>). He says that nothing is superior (πρεσβύτερον/<em>presbyteron</em>) than piety to Caracalla, so the emperor’s virtues would also be judged with this verdict. As we are subsequently informed, this piety is related to a temple of Zeus that the Goharieni had in their territory. Consequently, a Roman emperor praised for being “the most pious king and judge” (l. 38) was expected to show his respect to local cults even in rural communities of Syria. The temple structure still survives almost intact – at least before the Syrian war; see Brümmer, “Der römische Tempel” – and additional texts carved on the walls show that it was dedicated to Zeus Hypsistos and administered by a network of local institutions (see Millar, <em>The Roman Near East, </em>p. 317-319). It was also regionally renowned (ἐπιφανές/<em>epiphanes</em>) and, as a result, it received visits and parades (πομπαί/<em>pompai</em>). Probably, one of those attracted by the importance of the temple was the contractor Avidius Hadrianus who, according to Oliver, "Minutes of a Trial”, was the one proclaiming himself as priest (ἱερεύς/<em>hiereus</em>) of Zeus. Lollianus censures this attitude as an unlawful wrongdoing (ἀδίκημα/<em>adikêma</em>), because the position enjoyed tax-exemption (ἀλιτουργία/<em>alitourgia</em>), a golden crown (στέφανος/<em>stephanos</em>) and a sceptre (σκῆπτρον/<em>skêptron</em>). Before the text is lost, the advocate challenges the defendant to show whether he was worthy of this privilege (δωρεά/<em>dôrea</em>).<br /><br />The case inscribed in the temple of Dmeir is, consequently, not solely relevant to observe the procedure present in petitions addressed before the emperor and the choice of languages in judicial cases. It also shows the internal conflicts of local cults which Caracalla, if he wanted to remain “a pious ruler,” was asked to solve. Elements of comparison can then be established with other sanctuaries in the Middle East beyond Syria, for example, in Samaria, where a temple of Zeus Olympios is also known to be present on Mount Gezirim (see Belayche, <em>Iudaea</em>, p. 205-206). So, even if such bilingual legal documents were not commonly inscribed and have not survived to us, this exceptional testimony provides us with a context in which the notices of other provincials –including the Jews from Palestine– seeking imperial audiences should be better understood.</p> priesthood peasants parade privilege Caracalla Syria Roman court Roman law Roman justice local cults Zeus piety imperial piety rhetor praetorian prefect friend of Caesar imperial entourage imperial court imperial visit tribunal advocates ambassador petition Probably in-situ Local stone The text on the ante is approximately 2 metres high and 1.5 metres wide. Letters are on average 5 centimetres tall. The inscription on the podium is also 1.5 high and 3 metres wide. Letters here are 3 centimetres tall on average. 3rd CE 5832 Roman temple in Dmeir (Syria) 139 189 922 182 174 Roman Greek SEG 17.759 No <p align="left">This edition is based on Roussel Pierre, De Visscher, Fernand, “Inscriptions du temple de Dmeir,” in <em>Syria</em> 23.3-4 (1942), p. 178-179. Diacritical marks have been updated to comply with the Leiden conventions.</p> <table style="width: 782px; height: 1422px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left">I</div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">Sabino et Anulino cos. [VI] Kal. Iunias Antio[chiae, imp. caesar] M. Aurel(ius)</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left"> </div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">Antoninus Pius Fel(ix) Aug(ustus) Par(thicus) max(imus) Brit(annicus) max(imus) Ge[rm(anicus)] max(imus), cum sal(utatus) a praef(ectis) praet(orio)</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left"> </div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">e(minentissimis) v(iris), item amicis et princ(ipibus) offic<i>or(um) sed(isset) in aud(itorio), admitti iussit Aur(elium) Carzeum Ser-</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left"> </div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">gi defen(sorem) Go[har(ienorum)] agentem adversus Avid(ium) Hadrianum mancipem, quam</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left">5</div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">cognitionem dominus suscipere dignatus est, cum advocato Egnatio Iul-</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left"> </div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">iano, Avid(io) Hadriano manc(ipe) cum advocato Lolliano Aristaeneto,</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left"> </div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">ex quibus Aristaenetus dixit: παραγράφομαι. Lollianus d(ixit): ταγῆναι ἐκέ-</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left"> </div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">λευσες τὴν διάγνωσιν. Aristaenetus d(ixit): αἱ ἔκκλητοι νόμῳ γείνονται·</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left"> </div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">ἢ λαμβάνει τὴν ἔκκλητον ὁ ἡγεμὼν καὶ εἰσέρχεταί σου εἰς τὸ δι-</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left">10</div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">καστήριον, ἢ μὴ δεξαμένου τοῦ ἡγεμόνος πῶς εἰσαγώγιμός</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left"> </div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">ἐστιν ἡ δίκη; μετὰ πολλὰς κρίσεις καὶ ἀποφάσεις σὺ ἐνετεύχθης ἐν [ταῖ]ς</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left"> </div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">ἀξιώσεσιν τῶν {ο} Γοα[ριην]ῶν. οὔτε σύνδικος οὔ<τε> πρεσβευτής, ἄνθρω-</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left"> </div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">[πος ἀντίδικος ἰδι]ωτικὸς ὢν εἰσήγ<αγ>εν ἔντευξιν ὥστε σὲ δικαστὴν</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left"> </div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">ἀντὶ ἡγεμόν[ος εἶναι]. σὺ [δὲ] ε[ἶπες αὐτ]ῷ "εἰ βούλεσθε ἀκοῦσαί με, ἀκούσομαι".</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left">15</div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">[ἡμεῖς ἐξ ἀρχῆς τοῖσ]δε ἀ[ν]τιλέγοντ[ες], νῦν, ὁπότε εἰσήειμεν νόμῳ δικαστηρίου,</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left"> </div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">[παραγραφόμεθα τὴν δίκη]ν, ὅτι οὔτε ἔκκλητον ἔχουσιν οὔτε ἔχειν δύνανται πρὸς</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left"> </div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">[τὸ δικαστήριόν σου. Lolli]anus d(ixit): γεωργοὶ οἵ σου μετὰ τῶν ἄλλων δεήσεων</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left"> </div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">[ἐνέτυχον καὶ ταύτην τὴν] ἱκεσίαν σοι προσήγαγον. Κάσσιος οὐ προσήκατο τὴν πα[ρα]-</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left"> </div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">[γραφὴν ὅτι οὐ πρότερο]ν κατεμέμψαντο. εἰσήγαγε [εἰς τὸ] θεῖον δικα-</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left">20</div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">[στήριόν σου μετὰ] τῶν ἄλλων ἀξιώσεων ὥστε σ․․․․․12․․․․․αστη.</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left"> </div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">[- - -]  κελευσας τοῦτο ἀναγν[ωσθῆναι ․․․․8․․․]Ε [- - -]</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left"> </div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">[- - -] κα. ουτε. ετουαν [- - -]</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left"> </div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">[- - -] εει [- - -] το [- - -]</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left"> </div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">[- - -] τε [- - -]</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left"> </div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left"> </div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left">II.25</div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">[Antoninus A]ug. d(ixit): λέγες οὖν ὅτι οὐκ ἐξεκαλέσατο; Aristaene-</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left"> </div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">tus d(ixit): [οὐκ ἔχουσιν] ἔκκλητον, ὅτι οὐκ ἐξῆν. Antoninus Aug. d(ixit):</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left"> </div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">ἰδὲ οὖν, ἵνα ἐγὼ τῇ ἐμαυτοῦ γνώμῃ τι εἰπῶ καὶ ἐν τού-</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left"> </div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">τῳ τῷ [πρ]άγματι. οὔτε ἐξεκαλέσατο, οὔτε ἐμέμψατο,</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left"> </div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">οὔτε τὸ πρᾶγμα τοῦτο ἐλέχθη παρὰ τῷ ἡγουμένῳ·</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left">30</div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">ἐπὶ τοῦ αὐτοκράτορος μέμφομαί σε, φησ[ί]ν;</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left"> </div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">οὐ θέλις ἐμὲ ἀκοῦσαι τοῦ πράγματος; Aristaenetus d(ixit):</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left"> </div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">λέγω. Antoninus Aug. d(ixit): ἐγὼ ε̣ἰ ἔσπευδον ἐντεῦθεν</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left"> </div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">ἀναστῆν[αι], ἔλεγον "ἡ παραγραφὴ χώραν ἔχει".</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left"> </div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">ἐν τίσιν οὖν μέμφομαι; Lollianus d(ixit): λέγω ἐντὸς</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left">35</div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">ἡμισείας. e[t sub]iunxit: ὁ μὲν ἀγὼν ὑπὲρ εὐσεβείας</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left"> </div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">τοῖς [μὲν γ]εωργοῖς, σοὶ δὲ πρεσβύτερον εὐσεβείας οὐ-</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left"> </div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">δέν. τὦρα οὖν θαρρο[ῦ]σιν, ἐπὶ τοῦ παρόντος ἀγωνιζόμε-</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left"> </div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">νοι παρὰ εὐσεβεστάτῳ βασιλεῖ καὶ δικαστῇ. Διὸς ἱερὸν</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left"> </div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">ἐπιφανές ἐστιν παρ’ αὐτοῖς· ἀμέλει παρὰ τῶν περιχώρων</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left">40</div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">ἁπάντων ω․ει․η θεωρεῖται· βαδίζουσιν αὐτόσσε καὶ πομ[π]ὰς</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left"> </div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">πέμπονται. τοῦ ἀντιδίκου τοῦτο πρῶτον ἀδίκημα.</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left"> </div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">[- - -] καὶ ἀλιτουργίᾳ χρῆται καὶ στέφανον χρυσοῦν ἔχων</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left"> </div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">[- - -] ίᾳ χρῆται καὶ σκῆπτρον ἐν[κ]εχίρισται</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left"> </div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">καὶ ἱερέα τοῦ Διὸς ἑαυτὸν ἀνεκήρυσεν. ὅπως</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left">45</div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">[ταύτης] ἠξίωται δωρεᾶς ἐπιδεικνύτω· ἐγὼ γὰρ αὐ[τοῦ]</div> </td> </tr><tr><td valign="top" width="32"> <div align="left"> </div> </td> <td valign="top" width="469"> <div align="left">[κατεν]αντίον ὅτι μηδὲ ὁ τούτ[ου] πατὴρ ἀναγνώσομαι</div> </td> </tr></tbody></table> <div style="text-align: justify;">The translation is my own and seeks to remain as close to the Greek text as possible. A French translation can be found in Roussel Pierre, De Visscher Fernand, “Inscriptions du temple de Dmeir,” in <em>Syria</em> 23.3-4 (1942), p. 181-182. <br /><br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;">When Sabinus and Anulinus were consuls, on the 6^th day (before) the Kalends of June, in Antioch, the Emperor Caesar M(arcus) Aurel(ius) Antoninus Pius Fel(ix) Aug(ustus) Par(thicus) Max(imus) Brit(annicus) Max(imus) Germ(anicus) Max(imus), once he was greeted by the praetorian prefects, very eminent men, and also by the friends and principals of the offices, he sat down in the auditorium and ordered Aur(elius) Carzeus, son of Sergius, to be admitted since he was acting as defendant of the Goharieni against the contractor Avid(ius) Hadrianus; a court hearing that the lord had considered worthy to be undertaken, with the advocate Egnatius Iulianus (on one side) and the advocate Lollianus Aristaenetus (on the other) for the contractor Avid(ius) Hadrianus. Among these, Aristaenetus said: I object! Lollianus said: You (emperor) have ordered to conduct the hearing. Aristaenetus said: The appeals are made within the law. Either the governor takes the appeal and invites you to the tribunal, or when the governor does not accept it, how is the cause admissible? After many sentences and denials you (emperor) have become involved in the petitions of the Goharieni. Neither as a representative nor an ambassador, rather as a private plaintiff he has brought in a request to have you as judge instead of the governor. You said to him: If you want me to hear (this), I will hear (it). We were from the beginning opposing this; now, when we would enter in the law of the tribunal, we object the cause because they do not have the right to appeal nor are able to have it before your tribunal. Lollianus said: The peasants are meeting you with all their pleas and bring to you this supplication. Cassius has not admitted the objection because previously they have not complained. He brought in (this) to your tribunal with all other petitions as [...] having ordered to be read [...]<br /><br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;">Antoninus Augustus said: Do you then say that he did not appeal against? Aristaenetus said: They do not have an appeal because it was not possible. Antoninus Augustus said: Let’s see, then, if I can also say something of my own judgment in this issue. He has not appealed against, he did not complain, and this issue did not reach the governor. I will bring the appeal against you in the (tribunal) of the emperor, he says? Don’t you want me to hear the issue? Aristaenetus said: I say (so). Antoninus Augustus said: If I were hurried to rise from here, I would have said “the objection holds its ground”. On what grounds do I complain? Lollianus said: I speak in the space of half an hour. And he added: for the peasants the contest is about piety, and for you there is nothing greater than piety. So now they are confident, currently having a contest before the most pious emperor and judge. There is a temple of Zeus in their (territory). Indeed, it is visited by all the neighbours. They frequent it there and send processions. This was the first wrongdoing of the adversary [...] and it enjoys an exemption from liturgies and wears the golden crown and enjoys? and holds a sceptre and has proclaimed himself priest of Zeus. Let him show how is he worthy of this privilege. For before him I will read what not even his father [...]</div> Translation by author of the database record Yes Bilingual minutes of a hearing in a tribunal presided by Caracalla in Antioch, with a case involving the piety of the emperor. Antoninus amicus princeps auditorium defensor iubeo mancipes cognitio advocatus dico παραγράφομαι διάγνωσις ἔκκλητος ἡγεμών δικαστήριον δίκη κρίσις σύνδικος πρεσβευτής ἰδιωτικός γεωργός δέησις ἱκεσία ἀξίωσις ἀναγιγνώσκω λέγω γνώμη πρᾶγμα αὐτοκράτωρ παραγραφή μέμφομαι εὐσέβεια ἀγών θαρσέω θεωρέω ἀδίκημα ἀλιτουργία στέφανος χρυσός σκῆπτρον Ζεύς ἱερεύς δωρεά Aitor Blanco Pérez English Court minutes Yes 774 813 189 226 1