The history of the city and state of Geneva, from its first foundation to this present time faithfully collected from several manuscripts of Jacobus Gothofredus, Monsieur Chorier, and others / by Isaac Spon ...

ANCIENT INSCRIPTIONS Which are to be seen AT GENEVA.

I.

At the ascent of the Trellis.

IOVI O. M.
CINGIDVO
STABULO ET
AVLVS.

THIS is the foot of a Stall or Booth which was found thirty Years since on the side of the Arve, having been thrown up by an inundation. Guichenon is the first who hath mentioned it, but he hath forgot the word Stabulo. The Stone is hollow in the upper part of it, wherein was kindled the fire for the Sacrifice which was offered to Jupiter Optimus Maximus, for this is the mean∣ing of these two Letters O. M. I am not yet satisfied whether CINGIDVO is some Sirname of Jupiter, or whether it is to be read as two words CINGI DVO, that is to say, Cingii duo Sta∣bulo

& Aulus: for there hath been a Roman Family called Cincia, which perhaps might be the same with Cingia. Yet it seems, up∣on a through consideration, that this is but one Word.

II.

IOVI
ASSIGN.
M. F.
N.

THis fragment is another Vow to Jupiter, and hath been men∣tioned by Gruterus.

III.

At the great Street.

APOLLINI
M. AVFVSTIVS
CATVSo.

THis is a Vow to Apollo by Marcus Aufustius Catus, or Catuso: for it is a hard matter to say whether the o which is at the end, is a Letter which should be joyned to Catus, or a kind of pointing.

IV.

At the Colledge near the fourth Classe.

APOLLINI
M. VERATIVS
MERCATOR.

IT is a common Opinion in Geneva, that in the time of Heathe∣nism, Apollo was particularly worshipped, and that he had a Tem∣ple in this City in the same place where now stands S. Peter's Church. There is to be seen, on a Gate behind this Church, a

Head made to resemble that of the Sun. Monsieur Morus alledgeth this proof in his Harangue de Sole & scuto Genevensi, for to confirm the common opinion. But this Head seems to me to be nothing else but the Carvers fancy, and doth not look as if it was very old, it being made only of Molasse Stone. Being some Years since at Geneva with Monsieur Patin, who is a competent Judge in these matters, I shewed him this piece, and he was of opinion that it was not very old. Neither do I believe with others, that this part of the Church, near which stands the fore-mentioned Head, is the remains of a Heathenish Temple, seeing there is not to be seen any difference in the other parts of it, neither in its Frame nor Mate∣rials. But this Temple might perhaps have been built on the Foundations of that of Apollo.

V.

On the Wells du Four de Fer.

MARTIAVG.
SACRVM
SENNIVS SABINVS

THis Stone was dedicated to the god Mars Augustus by Sennius Sabinus. This title of Augustus is oftentimes joyned to the names of the Deities, since the age of Augustus: for the Heathens by a ridiculous superstition believed that they honoured their gods in giving them sometimes the names of Illustrious Men, after the same manner as they thought to honour Men in giving them the names of their gods.

VI.

At the same place.

M. CONNI SECVNDI
M. IVL MARCIANVS
FRATRI.

MArcus Julius Marcianus had caused this Inscription to be En∣graven, in remembrance of his Brother Marcus Connius Se∣cundus: but why, seeing they were Brothers, did not they bear the name of the same Family? But it may be they were Brethren but by the Mothers-side.

VII.

At the Borough of Four at Monsieur Sarrazin's.

M. IVL. MARCIANVS
SIBI VIVOS POSTERISQ
SVIS FECIT.

NEither Gruterus nor Guichenon have mentioned this, it being nothing but a plain Monument, which Julius Marcianus caused to be made in his life-time for himself and posterity. Vi∣vos is commonly used for Vivus.

VIII.

This Inscription was seen heretofore near S. Peters.

D. M. S.
C. IVLIVS CAESAR LONGINVS
D. FIL.
C. IVL. LEIBERTVS
PERRVPTIS MONTIBVS HVC TANDEM
VENI VT HIC LOCVS MEOS CONTEGERET
CINERES
APOLLO TVAM FIDEM
VIXIT ANNOS XLI MESS. III.
DIES XIII
HOR. NVL.
T. FVLVIVS D. D. L.
COMMILITO COMMILITONVM
VALE LONCINE AITERNVM
S. T. T. L.

THere were few Epitaphs which were not dedicated to the gods Manes. Which are meant by these three Letters D. M. S. Di••s Manibus Sacrum. I have inserted on the third Line, instead of D. CIL. which are not of any signification, and which I take therefore to be a mistake, D. FIL. Decimi Filius. The freed Men took often upon them the name of them who delivered them out of Bondage, adding thereunto some Surname, as this Cajus Julius Caesar Longinus, who was Julius Caesar's freed Man, had done here. Such was his destiny, that after he had taken a great deal of pains in traversing the Mountains to come to Geneva, he died there soon after his arrival. The Pagans esteemed it a great misfortune to die in a strange Land out of their own Country. This Inscription then is one of the ancientest in Geneva, seeing it was made in Julius Cae∣sar's time. Its whole Phrase is good Latin, especially that of per∣ruptis montibus is very pretty: for doth it not seem that a Man must break through the Mountains to find his way from Italy to Geneva along the Alpes? This Longinus lived forty one Years, three Months and just thirteen Days exactly to an hour, for this is ap∣parently the meaning of these two abridged words HORam NVL∣lam. The everlasting farewell which his Companion gives him, is this S. T. T. L. Sit tibi terra levis, Which were usual expres∣sions to Friends: That the Earth may be light to you, and not hin∣der the Soul by its weight, from disintangling it self from the Body.

IX.

In S. Peter's, over-against the Princess of Portugals Chappel.

Q. IVLIO SERGIO
MEMORIAE
EIIVS FVLLON.
IVSTINVS ET TE
RENTIA BELATVL
LA ET IVL. MACR
INVS PATRONO
HERED FACIEN sic
DVM CVRAVER.

THis is a Memorial which Fullonius Justinus, Terentia Belatulla, and Julius Macrinus have set up in honour of their Protector Quintus Julius Sergius, whose Heirs they were.

X.

CN. ARVTIO CN. F. CELERI
PRAEF. COHORTIS
LVSITANORVM.

THis fragment is in honour of one Cneus Arutius, or Aruntius Celer, Son of Cneus, Prefect of the Cohort of Portugaises. Gru∣terus hath mentioned it twice in Page CCCLXVI. 5. and in Page DXXIII. I. with this difference, that in one he inserts the whole, and in the other Page only the first Letters, as we have here re∣presented it.

XI.

In the great Street over-against the Pelisserie.

NVMINIBVS
AVG.
ET DOM. DIV.
VICTOR AVG.
LIB. P. P. S.

THE freed Men oftentimes testified to their deliverers how much they were concerned in their preservation, causing the Vows which they made for them to their gods to be Engra∣ven in Marble; as we have here an instance of it in Victor, who was Augustus's freed man, who invocates those particular gods, to whom the Romans believed the preservation of the Emperor be∣longed, and that of all their divine Family. And whereas we call the Family of our Kings and Emperors the Royal Family, they to shew it greater respect, gave it the Epithet of Divine.

XII.

In the City-Walls, on the outside of them, over-against la Corraterie▪

T. IVL. T. FIL. CORN. VALERIANO
PATRONO COLON. II VIR. AER. III VIR.
LOCORVM P. PERSEQVENDOR.
TRIB. MILIT. LEG. VI. VICTR.
PRAEF. FABRV. FLAM. AVG.
PONT-IFICI
IVLIA T. F. VERA PATRI OPTIMO.

FOrasmuch as that few Men are acquainted with the abbrevia∣tions of Inscriptions, I will here set this down at length.

Tito Julio Titi Filio Cornelia (tribu) Valeriano, Patrono Coloniae, Duumviro Aerarii, Triumviro locorum publicorum persequendorum, Tribuno militum legionis Sexta Victricis, praefecto Fabrum, Flami∣ni Augustali, Pontifici, Julia Titi Filia vera Patri optimo.

So that this is a Monument dedicated to the memory of Titus Ju∣lius Valerianus of the Cornelian stock, Protector of the Geneva-Co∣lony, chief Overseer of the Treasury and publick Buildings, Camp∣master of the sixth Legion which was called Victorious, and Overseer of the Workmen, Priest of Augustus, Pontifici, by his Daughter Julia Vera.

It need not seem strange that I render Patrono Coloniae, Pro∣tector of the Colony of Geneva: for although this is not expresly declared, yet must we understand him to be Patron and Protector of that Colony where the Inscription was placed: for this Stone is too large to be brought thither from any other place: it being likewise inlayed with the City-Walls, which were built long since. We need not doubt, but that Geneva had the Priviledges of a Roman Colony, seeing it had all the Offices thereunto belong∣ing, as we may observe in these Inscriptions of Duumviri's and Sextumviri's. The word Colony seems still to be preserved in the name of the Village of Cologny, which is not above a quarter of a League distant from Geneva.

XIII.

At the Colledge and other places are seen some fragments of Letters of a foot high; or, Onciales, as they call them.

C. IVL. .. IVLIA
And near to this.
RATRV..
VRVM

From whence some have conjectured that it might be thus supplied:

C. IVLius & IVLIA
aRATRVm circumduxerunt
& mVRVM aedificaverunt.

AND so that Julius Caesar had built the Walls of Geneva. But this is but a meer conjecture, for C. IVL. doth not ne∣cessarily signifie Julius Caesar; but only some Person of that Fami∣ly, as it is in XXVI Inscription thus: C. IVL. SEMATVS.

XIV.

This was heretofore seen at Monnoye.

C. VALERIOT.* 1.1 F. A. N.
TR. MIL. LEG. II.
PATRONO OPTIMO GENEVENS PRO∣VINCIA
B. M. P.* 1.2
VIXIT ANN. LX. M. II.
DIES XVII.

THis is a considerable Inscription. Here is mentioned one Ca∣jus Valerius Master of the Camp of the second Legion, to whose memory the Province of Geneva had caused this Stone to be Engraven for the benefits which it had received by him as a good Patron: for this word Patroni signifies something more than

Protectors: And these two words of Genevensis Provincia are re∣markable, seeing they inform us, That the Genevois was erected into a Province, of which Geneva was the Capital, seeing it gave it its name.

XV.

At S. Peter's, near the Steps.

Q. STARDIVS MACER
C. STARDIVS PACATVS
C. ALBVCIVS PHILOGENES
STATIVS ANCHIALVS
NOVELLIVS AMPHIO
CORNELIVS AMPHIO
IIIIII VIRI

THese are the names of six Sextumvirs of Geneva. This Ma∣gistracy was established since Augustius his Reign, consisting of six Persons who were changed from time to time, after the same manner as 'tis now with the four Syndi••ks.

XVI.

At the Colledge.

SEX. ATTIO
CARPOPHORO
IIIIII VIRO AVG.
IERIA CASTVLA.

SExtus Attius Carpophorus was, it seems, one of these Sextum∣virs, to whose memory his Wife set up this Monument.

XVII.

Another in the same Colledge.

...XTI FIL.
...RINAE
...MINICAE
...MATERNAE

THis fragment hath been made for some Roman Nun whom they called Flaminica.

XVIII.

Again.

MEMORIAE
AETERNAe
VERR VERVLAE
COLVSAE STVRD.
CONIVGI INCOM
PARABILI F.* 1.3 C.
ET SVB ASC DED.

THis Epitaph was Consecrated to the everlasting remem∣brance of Verria Verula Colusa by her Husband Sturdius, who had dedicated it, together with the Ax which he used in cut∣ting out and polishing the Stone. The severity of the ancient Romans, who would have retrenched the Funeral expences, had caused them to make a Law, Rogum ascia ne poleant: but their va∣nity was too strong to be curbed by the twelve Tables, and their luxury extended it self as well to the dead as the living.

XIX.

At S. Peter's, towards a back Gate.

CAL. VERNAE
VER. VERVLA
FIL. PIENTIS
P.* 1.4 C.
S.* 1.5 A. D.

THis short Inscription had been made by Verria Verula, for her Son Cal. Verna.

XX.

At the Colledge.

.......RI
...IONI
LEGIONIS X
HERED. EXTEST.

THis fragment tells us nothing else but that the Heirs of a certain Centurion of the tenth Legion had acquitted them∣selves of the charge laid upon them by his Will. We may ob∣serve here, as likewise in several other Inscriptions, that the word Heres is only written with a single e, and not by an ae: for this word comes from Herus, because the Heir becomes Master of the Testators Estate.

XXI.

Under the Clock at Molard.

D. VALERIO ASIATICI LIBERT
SISSI IIIIII VIRO
COL.* 1.6 EQ.
EXT.* 1.7

THis Inscription, as well as that which follows, hath been brought heretofore from Versoy, where they stood in Grute∣rus's time. See underneath what we say of the Colony of Eque∣stres, amongst whom Decimus Valerius the freed man of Asiaticus was Sextumvir. It seemeth that it is of this Valerius Asiaticus of whom spake Suetonius: Talibus principiis magnam imperii partem, non nisi consilio & arbitrio vilissimi cujusque histrionum & aurigarum administravit & maximè Asiatici liberti. The Geneva Manuscripts tell us, That it was he who gave his Sirname of Sessius to a Vil∣lage of the Country of Gex called Seyssi, and in Latin Sissium.

XXII.

Near the same place.

D. M. Diis Manibus
L. AVR. RESPECTO IVVENI
ERVDITO CAVSIDICO
••IS CIVI VALLENSE
ET EQVESTRE DEFVNC
TO ANNOR XVIII
FILIO PIENTISSIMO
L. AVREL. RESPECTVS
PATER PONENDVM
CVRAVIT.

THis Epitaph being dedicated to the gods Manes, is in honour of Lucius Aurelius Respectus a learned young Man, who had twice pleaded at the Bar, although but eighteen years of age, as his Father Lucius Aurelius Respectus testifies of him. The Son is named Civi Vallense & Equestre, Citizen of Valay and the Equestres: The one lying on the East-side of the Lake, and the other on the West. Some read it VALINSAE, and thus hath Gruterus cited it; but I have read it distinctly Vallense, although that the rest be worn out.

XXIII.

At the Gate of Rive.

ANNOR.
XII.
L. PLINIO
FAVSTI
FIL.
SABINO
C. PLINIO M. F.
C. N. FAVSTO
AEDILI II VIRO
IVL. EQ FLA∣MIN.
C. PLINIVS
FAVST.
VIVOS

THis Inscription was made for a Monument of a Father and his Son, who were of the Family of the Plinies, which was Illustrious under the Empire of Trajan and his Successors: we must read the Fathers thus, Caio Plinio Marci Filio Caii Nepoti Fausto Aedili Duumviro (Coloniae) Juliae Equestris, Flamini, Caius Plinius Faustus vivos, or vivus sibi fecit. So that he raised this Monument himself, when his Son Lucius Plinius Sabinus being but twelve years of age died. Some who understood not this word E Q. have ren∣dred it Equiti a Knight: which it cannot signifie, for it would have been placed immediately after the name, and before the other qualities; and moreover the Ediles, or they who had the super∣intendance over publick Buildings, were not chosen from amongst the Knights, but the People. And in effect what would IVL. sig∣nifie. As for the word Coloniae it is understood, as in the name of Corinthe, which hath been called heretofore Colonia Latina Julia Co∣rinthus, and sometimes LAVS IVLIA CORINTHVS: for the name of Jules hath been given to several Colonies which have been sent over in his time, or favoured by him, as without doubt the Colony of Equestres were. What I have said of this Colony

may be seen in Munster, p. 23. T. 1. Guilliman, and the Author of the Book called the Citizen, thought that the Colony of Equesters was Geneva, or at least that it was the Capital, and that Chablais had taken its name from Caballis, or Equis; and that which hath inclined them to be of this Opinion, is the great number of Inscriptions which are to be seen in Geneva, where there is mention made of it. Guichenon hath very well judged, that they might have been brought from some other place, and I have read in the Manuscripts, that those two which are at Molard, where there is made men∣tion of a Sextumvir of the Equestres, and of a Citizen of the same Country, had been brought from Versoy, in the Year 1590. and likewise another Inscription wherein is mentioned Civitas Equestri∣um, is cited in Authors who have written of the Country of Vaud, as if it had been heretofore to be seen there. It is likewise very probable, by the right of Neighbourhood, that several Persons of Quality who had Offices in the Colony of Equesters, had like∣wise the same in Geneva, or at least that they had died in that City.

The true situation then of this Colony was in the Country of Vaud, betwixt the two small Rivers of Versoy and Aubonne, and the word Enquestres, which is used still in this Territory amongst the People of that Country,* 1.8 is a sufficient proof of this. There is likewise an ancient Act made in the Year 1011. wherein this small Country along the Lake is called Pagus Equestricus. Nions, which was in the middle, was the Capital City, which was the occasion that this name was added, as in the Notes of the Empire, written in Theodosius his time, it is called Civitas Equestrium No∣viodunum under the Province of the Sequanoises, in which likewise Pliny placeth it, whereas Geneva was comprehended under the Province of Vienna. The Itinerary of Antoninus distinguisheth ve∣ry well Geneva, which he calls Civitas Genavensium, under the Province of Vienna, and Nions Civitas Equestrium, id est, Nevidu∣num, under the Sequanoise Province, the same with that above∣mentioned.

[illustration] obverse of coin

SEDES LAVSANE

[illustration] reverse of coin

✚CIVITAS EQVESTRI

For a confirmation of what I have said, I should have added, That there has been found an ancient Coyn, which hath on one side CIVITAS EQVESTRIS, and on the other SEDES LAVSANE, which shews that the Colony of Equestres acknow∣ledged the Episcopal Seat of Lausane.

In effect what reason had Munster and Gailliman to place the Caval∣ry in Chablais, which is a Country surrounded with Mountains, or in Geneva which is situated on a little Hill? The Country of Vaux which abounds with pasturage, and which is hardly any thing else but a flat Campagne, was far more proper for this. There are like∣wise several Villages in this Country, which seem to have taken their names from some ancient Romans, who perhaps had been Lords of it,* 1.9 in the time when this Country flourished. There are yet such names as these:* 1.10 Roscy, which perhaps might come from Roscius, Crassy from Crassius, Dudy from Duelli••s, Se••••y from Sissius, who are mentioned in an Inscription at Geneva. P••••rmen••on, which is not far from Nions, taketh likewise its name from the neighbouring Cape of this Village, for the Latins called a Cape promontorium.

The Tower in the Isle of Geneva is attributed to Julius Caesar, which hath his name given it, but I know not for what reason: for my part I see no cause to make me believe that this was built in his time, on the contrary the materials which are the most part of but Mollasse Stone, as one of S. Peters Steeples is, moves me rather to think that it is the work of some King of Burgundy, several of which have dwelt at Geneva; and perhaps; (not to oppose a received oppinion) it hath been raised on foundations of another building by Julius Caesar, or by some one of his successors in the Empire, who have all taken upon them the name of Caesars.

Munster hath misunderstood that passage of Caesars Commentaries,* 1.11 thinking that the Bridge which is there mentioned, belonged to the Switzers. Ex••eo oppido pons ad Helvetios pertinet, where this last word signifies not apperta••neth, but only looketh towards, or spectat; for on this Bridge men passed over from Geneva into the Country of the Helvetians, who ••••ld that which we now call Switzerland, and the Country of Vaud.

This likewise may serve to convince us of the popular error which taketh a row of stakes which appear above water in the Lake, for the remains of this Bridge; for it doth not face the Helvetians Country, but the Country of Chablais, which then belonged to the Allobroges; and it being a hard matter to root out opinions which have sunk deep into peoples minds, I shall therefore make bold to relate here the ob∣servations made by a friend of mine, to whom I am obliged for se∣veral Memoires relating to this present History. Be pleased then to observe what he hath written to me thereof.

In a walk (said he) I made some days past on the Lake to inform myself in the matter of these pretended ruins of a Bridge, I observed that these were two rows of Stakes which were all like one another, one row being only two paces distant from the other, which beginning at the head of the Isle where stands Caesars Tower, and from thence going up the River, reach through the Chains, and the Isles called Barques, drawing towards the Village of Cologny, and reaching no farther than the end of it; so that these two rows are in length about three thousand paces, the Fishermen call them Fi∣ches. These Stakes are of Oak, squared, and about the thickness of a mans thigh, and being not above two or three foot above ground, are al∣ways at the bottom of the water, the Stakes on either row are not above three foot distant one from another; which makes me believe that this never

never was a Bridge, because the States are too small and too near one another, and that the Bridge thereupon would have been too narrow; moreover how absurd would it have been to have made a Bridge of this length, which doth not cross the River, but leads upwards against the stream; and besides what oc∣casion could there be of making a Bridge to pass from Geneva to Colog••e, seeing one may go by Land thither. I suppose therefore that these stumps have served heretofore for a Ditch or Entrenchment, which had been raised to make the Rhosne pass cleverty between the Isle, and S. Gervais, and to hin∣der the water from overflowing the low streets as it has done heretofore when the pavement was not raised, so that this Bridge which is mentioned in Caesars Commentaries stood no where else but in the same place, where is at present that whereon we pass over from the City to S. Gervais.

XXIV.

L .IVL. P. F. VOL. BROC.
CHVS VAL.
BASSVS PRAEF. FABR.
BIS TRIB.
MIL. LEG. VIII. AVG. II
VIR IVR. D.
IIIVIR LOC. P. P. AVGVR.
PONTIF. IIVIR
FLAMEN IN COL. EQVE∣STRE
VIANIS
GENAVENSIBVS LACVVS
DAT

THis curious Inscription was not known to Gruterus, having been found since the impression of his Book. Monsieur Godefroy had caused this Stone to be brought into his Court, where it still lies. Guichenon had seen it, but hath not exactly copied it, or the Printer hath not followed his Copy: for there is five or six mistakes which spoil the sense, LEVI for L. IVL. BROCCI∣VS for BROCCHVS. AVG. for AVGVR. VTANIS for VIANIS. LACCVS instead of LACVVS, and D. M. for DAT. Observe here how it must be read without abbre∣viations.

Lucius Julius Publii filius Voltinia tribu Brocchus Valerius, or Vale∣rianus Bassus, Praefectus Fabrum, bis Tribunus Militum Legionis Octa∣vae Augustae, Duumvir juri dicundo, Triumvir locorum publicor. perse∣quendorum,

Augur, Pontifex, Duumvir, Flamen in Colonia Equestre Vianis Genavensibus Lacuus dat.

Except the word Vianis, which may be a mistake of the Carver, all the rest is easie, and is thus in English:

Lucius Julius Brocchus Valerianus Bassus, Son of Publius, and of the Tribe of Voltinia, Overseer of the Workmen appointed to make Engines for War, twice Camp master of the eighth August Legi∣on, one of the Magistrates who are appointed Judges in matters of Equity, Superintendant of the publick Buildings, Augure, chief Pre∣late, Duumvir and Priest in the Colony of Equestres, giveth the Lakes to the Genevoises.

The Lords and Roman Magistrates, who were Lieutenants for the Emperors in their Provinces, had great Authority, seeing we read that they have sometimes disposed of Crowns. So that it need not seem strange to us that this Person here-mentioned hath given the Lakes to the Genevoises, for he puts La••u••s in the Plural, com∣prising perhaps other lesser Lakes of the Country, with the Lake Leman. His great Offices in the Province and the advantage he had in being of the Family of the Juliusses, gave him without doubt this power: and what can make more plainly appear, the esteem which the Romans had for the City of Geneva? That I may therefore the better set forth this illustrious Family of Julius Brocchus, I shall produce some other Marbles which are to be seen at Geneva and its adjacent places.

XXV.

At Nions.

D. IVL. F. VOL. RIPANO
CAPITONI BASSIANO
EQVO PVBLICO HONORATO
PRAEFECTO FABRVM
TRIB. MIL. COH. I. GAL.
L. IVL. BROCCHVS
VALER BASSVS
FILIO

DEcimus Julius Ripanus capito Bassianus was Son to the said Ju∣lius Brocchus, and had likewise very honourable Employs: for besides that, he had a Horse which was kept at the publick charge, he was likewise Overseer of the Workmen, and Camp∣master of the first Gauloise Legion. Nions was the Colony of Eque∣stres where his Father was Duumvir.

XXVI.

At Geneva heretofore in the Halls was seen.

D. IVL. D. F. VOLT
CAPITON
AVGVRI IIVIRO AERAR.
FLAMINI MARTIS
TR. MILIT.

THis Decimus Julius Capito was Son of the fore named Deci∣mus Julius Ripanus Capito, and was Augure and Duumvir of the publick Treasury, Priest of Mars and Master of the Camp. And thus did they unite Religion and Arms with the Gown, in giving all these Offices to one Person: and since that the Emperors have become great Pontifexes, their Lieutenants and Subjects might well take upon them that of Augures and Priests, although they follow∣ed Arms or were Gown-men.

XXVII.

At Pragin, near Nions.

C. IVL. C. F. VOLT.
SEMATO
II VIRO ITERVM
FLAMINI AVG.
L. IVL. CAPITO AMICO
OPTIMO

CAjus Julius Capito Son of Cajus, was of the same Family with them above-mentioned, and of the same Tribe, and held like∣wise the Office of Duumvir and Priest of Augustus. Lucius Julius Capito his Friend was some collateral branch, and this following Inscription, which I have seen, belongs to him.

XXVIII.

At Aix in Savoy.

L. IVLIO
CAPITONI ET
IVLIAE TERTIAE
CN. IVLIVS LVCINVS
PARENTIBVS

CNenus Julius Lucinus and not Lucinius, as Guichenon would have it, was the Son of Lucius Julius Capito, and of Julia Tertia, for whom he had caused this Stone to be Engraved.

I have produced all these Inscriptions, because they confirm the number of the Family of the Jul's settled in these parts, as we have noted in Page 22. T. 1. And because likewise that they guide us to the knowlege of the Family of L. Julius Brocchus.

XXIX.

This hath been heretofore in the Walls of Geneva towards Corraterie.

VIXI VT VIVIS
MORIERIS VT SVM MORTVVS
SIC VITA TRVDITVR
VALE VIATOR
ET ABI IN REM TVAM

THis fancy is very ingenious: I have once lived as thou livest now, but thou must die as I am dead: so our life flies away: Adieu, Traveller, and go and mind thy business.

This was, (saith the Author of the Book called the Citizen) omi∣nous to the Savoyards, when they scaled the City near this place: but can any Man think they were so much at leasure as to read Tomb-stones, and that they brought Lights along with them? I do not believe it.

XXX.

Beneath the Clock du Molard on the side of the Lake.

IMP. CAES NERV.
VLP. TRAIAN. AVG.
GERM. PONT. MAX.
TRIBVN. POT. COS. II.
M. P. VIII.

THis Stone is one of those Columns or Millinary Stones which serve to mark the distance of places. The deceased M. Revilliod, who caused it to be brought from Versoy, had copied out the Inscription: we are not able to make sence of every particular Character in it, because that the Rain and overflowings of the Lake have washed out a great part of the Letters of it. It was made under the second Consulship of the Emperor Nerva Ʋlpins Trajan, and was to give notice that it was 8000 paces distant to some part of the Country from that place where this was set. Which perhaps might be Geneva, which lay at the entrance into the Countries of the Allobrogeses, Helvetians, and Sequanoises.

XXXI.

Over the Treillis or Lattice.

IMP. CAES.
DIVI MAGNI ANTONI
NI. PII. D... NE
POS...
IA...
TRIB. POT.
MIL. P.

THis is a Stone set up for the same purpose as the former, for it is made in the fashion of a Pillar, and there is at the end of it MIL. P. Milliarium posuit: although that the Character which should shew us how many Miles it meant, was worn out,

yet that little which is to be seen, gives us to understand, that it hath been set up in the time when Marc. Aurel. was Emperor, who was the adopted Son of Antoninus Pius.

XXXII.

In S. Peter's Wall.

IMP. CAES. M.
AVRELIO
ANTONINO
PIO FELICI AVG.
PONTIF. MAX.
TRIB. POTEST.
COS.
CIVITAS
EQVESTRIVM

THis Stone it is probable hath been brought from the Coun∣try of Vaud: for Guilliman mentions one like it, in his Me∣moires of Switzerland, where it then without doubt lay. Civitas Equestrium is the same with Colonia Equestris. Although that these Names and Titles of Marc. Aurelius Antoninus, &c. are common to three Emperors, viz. to Marcus Aurelius, to Caracella and to Helio∣gabulus, yet I am of opinion it belongs to the first, because there hath been seen heretofore in these parts this inscription quoted by Guilliman, and by Gruterus after him, wherein was read TRIB. POTEST. XVI. COS. III. Now of these three Emperors whom we have named, the last hath not so often had the power of Tribune. And Caracalla was Sirnamed when he held the sixteenth time the Office of Tribune, Germanick and Britannick, which would not have been omitted in this Inscription: whereas Marcus Aurel. to whom this belongs, had not then any Title when he was in the 16th year of his Tribuneship, seeing it was then but the second year of his Reign: for Antoninus had granted it him when he was but Caesar, that is to say, designed for the Empire. Neither is there seen in this Inscription any title added to his name.

XXXIII.

On the Treillis or Lattice

D..
RVFIAE AQVILINAE
C. F.

THis is nothing but the ruins of a Stone dedicated to the Ma∣nes of Rusia Aquilina.* 1.12

XXXIV.

Under the Hall of the Auditory.

L. NAMMIO
NVMIDAE

NƲmida might be the name of Lucius Nammius's Country: but the name and praename being Roman, there is more likelihood that it is but a Sirname.

XXXV.

In S. Peter's-Wall, on the side of the Stairs of Poule.

Supply D. M.
& qu IETI AETERNAE
ma NSVETINIAE IV
lia NAE LIBERTAE
ca RISSIMAE ET CON
jug I INCOMPARA
bili FEMINAE SAN
eti SSIMAE C. MA
ns VETINIVS PA
ter NVS PATRO
NVS

THis was dedicated to the gods Manes, and to the everlasting repose of Mansuetinia Juliana a freed Woman and Wife of Cajus Mansuetinius Paternus, which testifies of the holiness of her Life.

XXXVI.

In the Wall of the same Church over-against the Bishops Palace.

—RICCIO T. F.....
C. L. FRONTONI
VIR AERARI
....R. EX TESTAM.

RIccius Fronto Son of Titus, the freed Man of Caia, Overseer of the publick Treasury, is the Person for whom this Inscription hath been made by one of his Heirs, who was enjoyned thereto in his Will. There is mention made of the same Office of Duumvir Aerarii in the twelfth Inscription.

XXXVII.

Near S. Germains.

DIIS MANIB.
SEXM....
ATRO VI.
SAGAR.... NI..
NARCISSVS.... AN..

SAgarius is a dealer in Gowns: Negotiator Sagarius is in other In∣scriptions. Narcissus is the Sirname of a freed Man, as was this famous Narcissus whom the Emperor intrusted with the chief care of the Sale.

XXXVIII.

At la Pelisserie.

IMP. CAES.
C. VIBIO TREBONIA
NO GALLO PIO FELICI
AVG. PONTIFICI MAX.
TRIB. POTES. COS. II. P. P.
IMP. CAES.
C. VIBIO ANNIO GALLO....
IANO VOLVSIANO

THis was a Millenary Column made in the time when Treboni∣an and Volusian held the Empire. We may observe, that the latter of these carried these six: Cajus Vibius Anintus Gallus Tre∣bonianus Volusianus, which observation you will not meet with elsewhere. Aurelius Victor mis-names these two Emperors, Virius Gal∣lus and Volesianus.

XXXIX.

This was seen heretofore at Geneva.

D. M. S.
VETVRIAE C. F. BELLAE
HEV POSITAE GNATAE
TRISTES
POSVERE PARENTES
C. VETVRIVS. Q. F. C. N. OVF.
IVLIANA O. F. SCAPT.
LIBB. MER.

CAjus Veturius of the Ousentine Tribe, and his Wife Juliana of the Scaptian Tribe, had caused this Inscription to be set over the Tomb of their Daughter Veturia Bella. O. F. that is to say Cajae filiae, the praenames of Women being marked by a Letter turned backwards: but it seldom hapned that they had any prae∣names.

XL.

This was heretofore at S. Gervais.

D. M.
PAPIRIAE POLCRAE
QVAE VIXIT ANN. VIIII.
MESS. II. DIES XII.
MAGNA FREQVENTIA
LEG. XIII.
EL. EST
L.* 1.13 PAPIRIVS. C. F. PROBVS
TRIB. MIL.
AELIA AELIANA
PAR.* 1.14 MOER.
FIL. MER.
P. C.

THis Inscription, which is for a Monument to preserve the memory of Papiria Polcra, who had lived but nine Years, and two Months and twelve Days, had been set up by Lucius Pa∣pinius Probus a Military Tribune, and by his Wife Aelia Aeliana; the Father and Mother being afflicted at the loss of so dear a Daughter. MAGNA FREQVENTIA LEG. XIII. EL. EST. which signifies, if I mistake not, Magna frequentia leg••oni•• tertiae elata est; that she had been attended at her Burial by a great num∣ber of Soldiers of the thirteenth Legion, of which her Father was without question the Commander or Tribune. Sertorius Ʋrsatus in his Book de Notis Romanorum, hath expounded after the same manner these Characters EL. EST. Elata est.

XLI.

This was found in the Year 1678. at the foot of the Tower of the Isle, and may be seen at this present at the House of Mon∣sieur Minutoli the publick Professor.

DEO SILVA
NO PRO SALV
TE RATIARIOR.
SVPERIOR A.
MICOR SVOR.
BASIM SANCT.
M. ARRIVS CIVIS HEL.
V. S. L. M.

THis is the Basis of a Statue dedicated to the god Sylvian, for the health of the Superior Boatmen, or who had their Quar∣ter assigned them in the upper-part of the Lake and the Rhosne, by Marcus Arrius Citizen of Switzerland or Helvetia, their Friend, who had by this means discharged himself of his Oath. Sylvian was the god of the Woods, and the Bargemen honoured him, upon the account that he should furnish them with good Wood, either to make Barks, or to bring along with them in thier Rafts (Ra∣deaux) or flat-bottom Boats: for this word Radeaux is derived from Ratis; from whence hath been formed the word Ratiarius, which is seldom used. Rates, saith Festus, vocantur tigna inter se colligata, quae per aquam aguntur: quo quidem vocabulo interdum etiam naves vo∣cantur. Eodem nomine significamus remos.

These following Roman Inscriptions are to be seen in several parts about Geneva.

XLII.

In the Church of S. Saflorin, neer de Vevay.

TI. CLAVDIVS DRVSI F.
CAESAR AVG. GERM.
PONTIF. MAX. TRIB.
PONT. VIII.
IMP. XII. P. P. COS. IIII.
F. A.
XXXVII.

THis is a Millenary Stone, by which the Romans were wont to mark out the distance of places, for it is made in form of a Cosumn, and the numerical Characters are Engraven on it. It was perhaps thirty seven Miles thence to Avanche; for this may be the meaning of these two Letters, F. A. Faederata Aventicum. Gui∣chenon and John Baptiste Plantin have not read correctly the first word TIT. which signifies Titus, instead of TI. which signifies Tiberius, and which is the praename of Claudius, in whose Reign this Stone had been set up. For to confirm what I have said of the two Letters, F. A. behold here another Millenary Stone, where∣on the word Aventicum may be read at length. It was found in 1640. and is not any more than the preceeding, observed by Gru∣terus.

XLIII.

At Entreroches.

IMP.
CAES. TIT. AELIO.
HADRIANO
AVG. P. M. TRIB.
POT. COS. III. P. P.
AVENTICVM
M. P. XXXXI.

THat is to say, Imperatori Caesari Tito Aelio Hadriano Augusto, Pontifici Maximo, Tribunitiae potestatis, Consuli tertium, Patri patriae, Aventicum milliarium posuit quadragesimum primum. Plan∣tin and Guichenon, insert on the second line TR. P. AELIO, which is a palpable mistake, for TR. P. signified Tribunitiae po∣testatis, which would have then been twice repeated, seeing there is the same again.

XLIV.

At Nions.

C. LVCCONI CO..
TETRICI PRAEFECT.
ARCEND. LATRO..
PRAEFECT PROIIVIR
IIVIR BIS FLAMINI
AVGVST.

THere are several Inscriptions at Nions, but I only produce this, because it is not taken notice of by Gruterus, and that it is remarkable for the charge which Cajus Lucconius Tetricus had, de Praefectus arcendis latronibus, the same with what they call in

French, Grand Provost. whose Office was to keep the Road free from Thieves. The charge of Duumvir, Produumvir and Priest of the Emperor, were held by the same Person: and we have already observed that the Sword, the Gown, and the Priesthood were not inconsistent amongst the Ancients.

XLV.

At Coppet.

D. M.
PHILET BRIT
TAL. ANNORVM
XXIIII DEFVNCT
O CLAVDIA
NVS FILI VNICI
ET PIISSIMI
P.* 1.15 C.
SVB. ASC. DED.

THis Inscription is not correct in Gruterus, Plantin and Guiche∣non: which obliged me, some Years since as I passed by to light of my Horse to take a Copy of it, although there is no great matter in it. Gruterus readeth PHILETI BRITAI & D. II. VNC.. OS for DEFVNCTO: & Plantin PHILE. II. BRITTAI. Philetus Brittallus was a young Man of twenty four Years, for whom his Father Claudianus had caused this Stone to be Engraven, and had dedicated it sub ascia, as a token of his Paternal affection. This is all that can be made out of it.

XLVI.

At Seligny, a Village dependant on Geneva, near Coppet.

D. M.
CORNELIO
BILCAISIONIS
FIL.
PVBLICIA
PERPETVA
CONIVGIS
INCOMPARA
BILIS.

THis Stone is in the Temple wall of this Village, and the top of it hath been made hollow to serve instead of a Font, or Holy-water-pot: Gruterus and Guichenon read Biicaisio, instead of Bil∣caisio: which word savours of the rudeness of some ancient Helveti∣an or Gauloise name. The Stone is nothing else but a Monument set up for a remembrance of Cornelius the Son of Bilcasio by his Wife Publicia Perpetua.

XLVII.

At Annemasse, a Village belonging to Genevois.

D. M.
ET MEMORIAE ATTI∣NIAE
TIBERIAE MAXIMAE AV∣RELIVS
ROMANVS PROTECTOR
DVCENARIVS
CONJVGI INCOMPARA∣BILI

THis Office of Protector Ducenarius, which Aurelius Romanus held, is remarkable: Mercius in his Lexicon Graecobarbarum saith that Ducenarii were Tax-gatherers; concerning whom there is a Law in the Codex L. Ducenarii de exact. Trib. ne ducenarii plus quàm qua∣draginta octo in singulis habeantur. The Greeks used the same word. Photius Biblioth. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, where I believe the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 ought to be corrcted and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 put before 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 making it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, for Perennia is not the name of a Roman Family, but rather Herennia, to which this Publius Herennius belonged, Ducenarius or Receiver of Tributes.

XLVIII.

In the Village of Meyseri, three or four Leagues distant from Geneva, between Beauregard and Nermier, on a Co∣lumn.

..EPI SEVER..
CAI SABADIA
M.. RIBTO T. IX.
DESIC.... III P. P. PT
ET ANTONIN...
TII... P. C. IIII COS. DESG.

GƲichenon who thus describes it in his History of Savoy, thought he had discovered that the ancient name of Savoy had been Sa∣badia, and which consequently had been in use in Severus his time. Inscriptions are in truth of great use in the knowledge of History, and Geography; but when they are ill transcribed, and so by conse∣quence ill misunderstood, they commonly introduce several errors. And this may serve for a proof of all the rest, for there never was such a word as Sabadia, and the whole of that Inscription produced by Guichenon, is a confused piece of nonsence, in which a man may make some uncertain guesses. For thus it ought to be restored.

Imp. sEPT. SEVERO Aug.
ParthiC. ARAB. ADIAB.
Pont. Max. TRIB. POT. IX
COS. II. DESIGN. III. P. P. ET
m. AurE L. ANTONINO
TRIB. POT. III. COS. DESIGN.
M. P....

So that it will be no hard matter for us to understand how-Guiche∣non in these two words ARAB. ADIAB. should make such a mistake. This Column was a Millenary Stone erected in the time when Septimus Severus Augustus surnamed Parthick, Arabick, Adiabe∣nick, was Emperor, who took on him these names, because he had vanquished the Parthians, Arabians and Adiabenians, when he was chief Prelate, having exercised the Office of Tribune nine times, and having been then twice Consul and designed again to the same Office, being entrusted for the third time with the power of the Tri∣buneship, under Marcus Aurel. Anotoninus his son, and designed Con∣sul. M. P... signifies Millarium positum, or posuerunt, or as others ex∣pound it. Milliaria passuum, to which we must add the number of Miles which is worn out.

Upon which I would advertise the lovers of Antiquity, that a man must use his own judgment in the Reading of Guichenon. He hath collected several Inscriptions which are not in Gruterus, but we should have been farther obliged to him had he been more exact. Lo here is one which he hath pitifully deciphered.

XLIX.

At the Castle of Monfalcon.

IVN. AL AVG. MA.
IEIS. CASIROR
S. III. MIVS HO
NORARIVS PROC.
AVGG. H. CAES.

Observe how I have restored it.

IVLIAE AVG. MA
TRIS CASTROR.
SEPTIMVS HO
NORATVS PROC.
AVGG. ET CAES.

THis is an Inscription set up in honour of Julia Augusta the wife of Severus, to whom as we learn by the Medals and Inscripti∣ons, there was given the name of Mater Castrorum, the Mother of Armies. The Stone having been engraven by the order of Septimius Honoratus Procureur, or Lieutenant to the Emperors Severus and Ca∣racalla, and of Geta Cesar who was designed to the Empire. These corrections may be proved to be right by uncontroulable reasons, but it is not necessary to lose time in these matters; seeing they will ap∣pear thus to any person who is versed in ancient Inscriptions.

L.

This and the following fragment are to be seen over the Gate Du Bourg of Four at Geneva.

....S. N. PATRIT...
AS... P. P...
....RITFERO...AE
ROMV...
D.
...NIVGIT....LLI ...S
MIL. LEG. XXII. ADI...
..FECTVM ......BI
...OICA......

THere can be nothing else made of this, but that it had been en∣graved by a Tribune or Colonel of the twenty second Legion, called Adiutrix.

LI.

In the same place.

....ADVS REX C .. M
..MO IVMENT. PROP.
...PATIO MVT...CA

THis might relate to Gondebaud King of Burgundy, who dwelt at Geneva: and the first Line might be GVNDEBADVS REX CLEMENTISSIMVS, for in the Ancient Courts we read indifferently, Gundebadus, Gundebaldus, and Gundebaudus.

There is kept, in the Town-house, several ancient Urns, the greatest part of which are very large, because one of them served a whole Family. There is one of these at Monsieur Mestrezat's the Professor, on whose Handle there are these Letters, C. V. VA. which perhaps are the Letters of the Potters name.

LII.

A fragment of the Epitaph of Ansegisus Bishop of Geneva, standing at the Corner of the Channons-street, in Monsieur Tremblet's House.

NON MERITIS PRECOR
VIV...
PRAEVALEAT PIETAS
QV....
ET QVICVNQVE LEGIT
E....
SIMQVE SVIS PRAECIBVS
F....
ADSIT ALMIFICVS VI∣CTOR....
PERPETVIS VALEAM....
ANSEGISVS ERAM P....
SIS MEMOR IPSE MEI....

HE died in the Year 840. those kind of cornered C's which are in the Original were in use in those days. Near the Temple of Cologny there is seen the remains of a Character like this, where we find—GISVS EPS, that is to say, Ansegisus Episcopus. But it is great pity that this Epitaph is not intire, it consisted of four Dystichs. In the first of which he seems to say, that he desires not to be judged according to his merits, but according to his faith and trust in Gods mercy. In the second, he recommends himself to the Readers prayers. In the third, he implores S. Victor's help and the Churches, out of which this Epitaph was taken; when that of S Vi∣ctor was pulled down to make fortifications, and in the last Dystich, he declares his name to be Ansegisus, and entreats again the Reader to remember him in his prayers.

LIII.

At a little Gate of S. Peter's-Church, on the Shoulders of this Apostle's Statue.

PETRE AMAS ME TV
SCIS DMN QA AMO TE
ET. EGO DICO TIBI
PASCE OVES MEAS

THis is several hundred years old, as may be seen by the Cha∣racters although they are not Gothick. So it is likely to have been made in the time when Conradus was Bishop who finished S. Pe∣ters Church.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Titi Filio Auli nepoti.
• * 1.2

  Bene merenti posuit.
• * 1.3

  Fieri curiavit sub Ascia ••x di∣cavit.
• * 1.4

  Ponendum curavit.
• * 1.5

  Sub Ascia dedicavit.
• * 1.6

  Coloniae Equestris.
• * 1.7

  Ex Testamenta.
• * 1.8

  Guichenon in his History of Savoy, p. 8.
• * 1.9

  Vide Inscript.
• * 1.10

  XXI.
• * 1.11

  Cosmograph, L. 2.
• * 1.12

  caii Filla.
• * 1.13

  Caii filius.
• * 1.14

  Parentes mae∣rentes filiae meritissimae.
• * 1.15

  P••••endum ••••ravit.