Firmidius Severinus

Firmidius Severinus was a soldier of the Legio VIII Augusta who dedicated an altar to Deus Invictus and the Genius lociat Genava in 201 CE, after twenty-six years of military service (TNMM 599; CIMRM 916; CIL XII 2587; MMM I 506). His service must therefore have begun around 175.

The titles of the legion recorded in the inscription, pia fidelis constans Commoda, have led Clauss (1992) to associate Severinus with the detachment of the VIII Augusta sent from Argentorate to Lugdunum in 185. He may subsequently have moved from Lugdunum to Genava, possibly in connection with the military movements that followed the defeat of Clodius Albinus by Septimius Severus in 197.

Although Severinus records twenty-six stipendia, he still describes himself as miles rather than veteranus. His precise military status in 201 is therefore uncertain. Clauss interpreted the dedication as having been made after his discharge and subsequent settlement at Genava, while Gordon (2007) suggested that his move there may have been relatively recent.

The altar was dedicated Deo Invicto Genio loci pro salute sua. Gordon (2007) notes the unusual association with the Genius loci and suggests that it may indicate a Mithraic cult room at Genava, perhaps even one established by Severinus himself. No such sanctuary has, however, been archaeologically identified. The altar was discovered in 1752 reused in the foundations of Geneva’s cathedral of Saint-Pierre.