Septimius Valentinus
Optio who erected several altars to Mithras in the Mithraeum of Sárkeszi.
Biography
of Septimius Valentinus
- Septimius Valentinus was a syndexios at the Mithraeum IV of Aquincum and at the Mithraeum of Sárkeszi.
- Resident in Sárkeszi, Pannonia inferior, Pannonia in c. 1st half of 3rd century (TNMM 768).
- Attested in Aquincum, Pannonia inferior, Pannonia (TNMM 1427).
- Attested in Sárkeszi, Pannonia inferior, Pannonia (TNMM 1428 and TNMM 1429).
TNMP 264
Septimius Valentinus, an optio in the Roman military in the early 3rd century AD, emerges as a prominent figure in the religious landscape of the Mithraic cult at Sárkeszi. The discovery of several altars dedicated to him in a mithraeum near the present town suggests that he may have been the pater of a large community.
Another possibility is that Septimius Valentinus was a junior officer in the Roman military, a role that made him second in command to a centurion. This was an important position as it involved not only leadership but also administrative and disciplinary duties. Optios were key figures in the structure of the Roman army, often seen as the bridge between the centurions and the regular soldiers.
Valentinus’ dedication of at least three altars within this Mithraeum underlines his deep commitment to the Mithraic cult. These altars date from the first third of the 3rd century AD. Their inscriptions vary slightly, but together they confirm his important role in the community. The fact that he consecrated several altars, a considerable investment, indicates his prominent status in terms of both resources and religious standing.
References
- A. Rendić-Miočević; M. Šegvić (1998) ‘Religions and cults in Pannonia.’ A szent istván király múzeum közleményei, A 33, 101-102.
- Epigraphic Database Heidelberg. Altar to Transitus from Sárkeszi in EDH
- Epigraphic Database Heidelberg. Altar to Cautes by Septimius Valentinus in EDH
- Epigraphik-Datenbank Clauss / Slaby. Altar to Transitus from Sárkeszi in EDCS
- Epigraphik-Datenbank Clauss / Slaby. Altar to Cautes by Septimius Valentinus in EDCS
- Romaikor.hu (2023) Római Birodalom - Szentélyek - Sárkeszi
- Ubi Erat Lupa. Altar to Transitus from Sárkeszi in Ubi Erat Lupa
- Ubi Erat Lupa. Altar to Cautes by Septimius Valentinus in Ubi Erat Lupa
Attestations
Altar for Fons Dei
TNMM 1428
Fragmentary limestone altar dedicated by Septimius Valentinus, an optio, probably discovered in Mithraeum IV at Aquincum.
Altar to Cautes by Septimius Valentinus
TNMM 1429
Limestone altar dedicated to Cautes by the Roman optio Septimius Valentinus, discovered in the Mithraeum of Sárkeszi in Pannonia Inferior.
Altar to Transitus from Sárkeszi
TNMM 768
This is one of the altars erected by Septimius Valentinus, in this case, to the transitus of Mithras.
Mithraeum IV of Aquincum
TNMM 85
The Mithraeum of Symphorus and Marcus, in Óbuda, Budapest, has been restored to public view in 2004 and, while well presented, it has been heavily restored.
Mithraeum of Sárkeszi
TNMM 766
One of the largest known Mithraea in Pannonia, the sanctuary of Sárkeszi stood near the Roman road linking Herculia and Aquincum.
