Building stone from Cramond, Midlothian

This building stone was found at the site of the Roman fort at Cramond in Midlothian. It has an inscription recording building works by the 2nd Legion at the fort. It was carved sometime between 140 and 210 AD.

The abbreviated inscription reads 'LEG. II. AUG. FECIT' between 'IV' on the left and 'SA' on the right. This translates as 'The 2nd Legion August built this, by the century of S... A...'. Each legion was divided into ten cohorts, most of which were composed of 480 men, which in turn had six centuries of 80 men.

The Roman army recorded their building works on building stones and sculptures. The inscriptions generally record - in a very abbreviated format - the Emperor's name, his titles, the name of the military unit responsible, the name of the governor and what was done.

Record details

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