The Roman Army, 31 BC–AD 337: A Sourcebook

130 The Roman Army
[7] September [ _ _ _
[18] September. For [the birthday of the divine Trajan and the imperial
power of the divine Nerva; to the divine Trajan an ox, to the divine
Nerva an ox].
[19] September. For [the birthday of the divine] Antoninus [Pius, to the
divine Antoninus an ox].
[20–22] September. For the birthday of the divine Faustina, to the divine
Faustina a supplication.
[23] September. For the birthday of the divine [Augustus], to the divine
Augustus [an ox].
(October 16-November 12—about nine entries).
Col. iv
[17] December [ _ _ _ ] birthday (?) [ _ _ _ ] supplication, continued
until 23 December [ _ _ _ ].
This calendar was discovered in the temple of Artemis Azzanathkona which
served as the archive office of the twentieth cohort of Palmyrenes stationed at
Dura-Europus. That it was a military calendar is confirmed by the festivals for
discharge and pay. Julius Caesar, Augustus, Germanicus, and Trajan may also
have had a special significance for soldiers. The exclusion of cults of local gods
and the traditional nature of the calendar, which was written in Latin, suggest
that it was designed for use by military garrisons all over the empire. Augustus
himself had probably been responsible for the original conception.
The family of Severus Alexander, including his mother Julia Mamaea and
grandmother Julia Maesa, feature prominently; since the Severi claimed descent
from Trajan, Hadrian, and the Antonines, the entries for these emperors and
female members of their family are also relevant in that they demonstrated the
legitimacy of Alexander’s rule. The overall effect of the calendar will have been
to bring to the soldiers’ attention the emperor and his family, his achievements,
his military prowess, and the benefits he bestowed on them. Moreover, many
festivals were accompanied by a sacrifice, a bull for the living emperor, an ox
for gods and deified emperors, a cow for goddesses and empresses; so, the
soldiers could enjoy feasting and a break from military duties. These observances
were not merely routine. Many soldiers probably did believe that divine goodwill
would assist their military career; and successful campaigns meant fewer
casualties and more donatives.
208 ILS 2182, inscription, Rome, AD 139
To Jupiter Best and Greatest and the Genius of Titus Aelius Hadrian
Antoninus Augustus Pius, father of the fatherland, the citizens from
Thrace honourably discharged on the appropriate day from the force