TOMB 55

Tomb 55 is the northernmost grave of the row formed by tombs 55-81.
Tomb 55 borders on the so-called "Field of the Poor" and dates back to the second
period of use of the necropolis (Antoninus Pius).
The entrance of the grave was flanked by a biclinium.
In front of this biclinium is a square pedestal on which
probably once a table top was attached.
Tomb 55 has a beautiful facade with a tympanum.
Above the entrance, flanked by two small windows, is
a marble slab with the following inscription:

D(is) M(anibus)
SCANTIA SALVINA
SCANTIAE SABINAE FILIAE
PIENTISSIMAE ET M(arcus) SVLPI
CIVS FORTVNATVS FECER(unt)
SIBI ET LIBERIS ET LIBERTIS
LIBERTAB(usque) POSTERISQ(ue) EORVM
H(oc) M(onumentum) H(eredem) N(on) S(equetur)

According to this text, the grave was built by Scantia Salvina for her pious daughter, Scantia Sabina, and by her and Marcus Sulpicius Fortunatus for themselves, their children and their freed slaves, and their children. The monument could not be inherited (in the sense that it must not go out of the family name when it is passed on to later generations).

(click to continue tomb 55)