Tombstones

[mcbishop]

As promised, the skimpiest tunic in the Roman Empire! This chap was found at Mainz but is now in Mannheim museum. Moreover, he is executed on a dark sandstone, unlike the buff limestone used for many of the lower Rhineland tombstones, so not overly photogenic. There are a few points of interest: his 'apron' only has the lowest stud on each strap sculpted (were the rest painted, or were there no others?), the handguard of his sword matches some of the wooden examples from the Schutthügel at Vindonissa, the 'apron' straps and excess belt material are all finished with the same type of pendant, and his paenula has no visible fastenings up the front, unlike most examples on tombstones.



Mike Bishop