This tombstone is another fascinating piece found at Brementennacum Fort. It introduces us to the Asturians, a Cavalry garrisoned in the fort in the early 70s AD, Soon after it was built. They were a 500 strong Auxiliary cavalry that originated from the Astures tribes in Spain.
They were known as the Ala II Asturum-The Second Wing of Astures. They were extremely skilled horsemen, who rode a small breed of horse that did not trot, but moved in an east gait. (Pliny, 23-79 AD) however, when moved to Britain it is more than likely that they switched to more local horses.

The tombstone was discovered in 1876 by accident on the riverbank of Ribchester, close to the museum. It is carved from the stones of the local area and depicts a cavalryman riding down and spearing a Celtic warrior. Annoyingly enough, the tombstone lacks any kind of inscription, unlike most tombstones of the time, which would be engraved under the relief.

It does still teach us a lot though. Like the clothes and the armor of the cavalrymen in the garrison, along with their equipment. You can clearly see that he is wearing a cloak which is fastened to his shoulder by a circular brooch, and that he is equipped with a shorter sword than the usual cavalryman would have. The cavalry usually preferred longer swords due to the extra reach from their mount.

There is an altarstone that partners this tombstone in the museum, which too is part of the Asturian Cavalry collection. It was discovered in the 1580s and has since become near impossible to read due to bad wear. The inscription on the altarstone reads. "DEAB MATRIB M INGENVIVS ASIATICVS DEC AL II ASTVRVM VSLM"
Which when translated becomes
"To the Mother Goddesses, Marcus Ingenuius Asiaticus, decurion of the Second Wing of Astures, willingly and deservedly fulfilled his vow."

A decurion was an officer in command of 32 troops of the auxiliary cavalry.

Overall, its an absolutely beautiful piece with little to no damage and its always amazing to see in person.

_{*photos and notes taken at the Ribchester Roman Museum.}