Cross (fragment)

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This sandstone fragment of a cross is one of a number of sculptured stones found around the parish church of Tarbat at Portmahomack in Ross-shire. The 8th century fragment has an incomplete Latin inscription carved in Hiberno-Saxon capitals.

The inscription reads 'IN NOMINE IHU XPI CRUX XPI IN COMMEMORATIONE REO...LII...DIE HAC...' which has been translated as 'In the name of Jesus Christ, the cross of Christ in memory of Reo..lius..on this day'.

Latin was brought to Scotland by the Christian church. Latin inscriptions were carved on stones and objects. Its greatest use, however, was in manuscripts, though few survive. The layout and lettering on this stone is reminiscent of that on manuscripts.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-043-540-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.IB 286
• Date: Between 700 and 800
  
• Material: Sandstone, greenish; sculptured on one face and on the edge, below which is an inscription in relief
  Cross slab / portion
  
• Dimensions: 1010 mm H (including plinth) x 330 mm L x 190 mm W
  
• What: Cross slab / portion
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Ross and Cromarty, Tarbat
  
• Event:
• Description: Portion of a cross slab with a Latin inscription in Hiberno-Saxon capitals reading 'In the name of Jesus Christ, the cross of Christ, in commemoration of ?Reotetius, may he ...', from Tarbat
  
• References:
  • Allen, J. R. & Anderson, J. The early Christian monuments of Scotland. Edinburgh: Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 1903, vol. 2, pp 94-5. 
• Translations:
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