Tiberius Claudius Hermes

Tiberius Claudius Hermes, libertus of Tiberius Claudius Secundus. The latter is elsewhere attested as uiator tribunicius, lictor curiatus, and had been personally honoured by the businessmen who trade in the slave market (statarium). Near to this marked place for Roman negotiatores and in contact with the local Ephesian community, Hermes decided to present his bilingual benefaction together with his son Hermias. Later, the same Hermias entered as a Roman ingenuus into the political body of a polis in which he reached the top office of secretary of the people. At the same time, he did not disregard the close relationship with his father’s patron and was actually responsible for the decision of the city to honour Tiberius Claudius Secundus. In the end, some of Hermias’ descendants might have even reached consular rank.

—Aitor BLANCO PÉREZ (2020) Mixed-Language Inscriptions, Social Groups and Freedmen in Roman Ephesus