This silver phalera was presented to the Roman officer Aurelius Servanius by soldiers of two legions stationed in Chester and Caerleon (Wales, United Kingdom). It dates to the 3rd century AD.At the top of the phalera is a Roman eagle, below which are soldiers of the two legions with their standards. Under the first standard is the inscription LEG. XX V.V. (Legio XX Valeria Victrix, based in Chester), and under the second — Legio II Augusta (based in Caerleon).
The phalera is made of silver, approximately 12 cm in diameter. Below the name Aurelius Servanius is the standard Roman wish UTERE FELIX (“Be fortunate!” or “Use [this] and be happy!”). The lower section depicts scenes of hunting with dogs: a hare, an elk, a lion, peacocks, and pheasants.The question arises: who was Aurelius Servanius, the man who received this commemorative gift from soldiers of two legions located at opposite ends of Wales, 200 km apart?
He clearly could not have served in both legions at the same time.Possible explanations, in order of increasing probability:A centurion who served successively in both legions.
A military engineer (immunis) detached from one legion to the other to build or repair baths or the sewer system.
A military engineer (immunis) detached from one legion to the other to build or repair baths or the sewer system.
Camp prefect (praefectus castrorum) who served in both legions in turn and significantly improved the soldiers’ living conditions and supplies.
An imperial inspector who, during an official inspection, paid the legionaries their overdue wages and possibly issued additional bonuses.
An imperial inspector who, during an official inspection, paid the legionaries their overdue wages and possibly issued additional bonuses.
The last option seems the most likely. Delays in payment of salaries were a constant and most painful problem for Roman soldiers, and embezzlement was more the rule than the exception.