Graham, Alexander: Roman Africa: an outline of the history of the Roman occupation of North Africa ; based chiefly upon inscriptions and monumental remains in that country (London [u.a.], 1902)

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Roman Africa

freedmen named Annius Hilarus and Annius Protus ; and the
placing therein a statue of the goddess, the cost of which was
borne by the two parents, Annius Protus having bequeathed
the sum of 22,000 sesterces for that purpose. To celebrate the
inauguration, these two sisters paid for an entertainment at the
town-hall. In removing the ground a short time ago round
the Arch of Trajan,1 an interesting inscription tells us that
L. Licinius Optatianus, on being appointed flamen for life, had
promised statues costing 20,000 sesterces, which was far in
excess of the sum that could have been legally demanded ; that
he had added largely to the amount, and altogether had spent
35,000 sesterces. In addition, he had made presents to all the
senators of Thamugas, had given an entertainment at the
town-hall, and defrayed the cost of performances at the theatre.
Another worthy Roman, named P. Julius Liberalis, chief magis-
trate of the town of Thysdrus (El-Djem), on being appointed
flamen of Thamugas for life, during the seventeenth tribuneship
of Caracalla, built for the use of the citizens one of two large
reservoirs bearing the name of Lams, to distinguish it from the
adjoining one named Fons.2 Among the inscriptions of special
interest, one discovered in the forum many years ago is ex-
ceptional.3 It is a list of the principal clerks employed in the
legal department of the establishment of the commander of
the province. There is the Princeps, who was a sort of general
secretary of the provincial government, and was chief of the
staff. The Cornicularius was a chief clerk, but with larger powers
than are accorded to a similar functionary in modern times.
He had control over the Court, both lawyers and suitors, and
was the guardian of order ; he wrote down all decisions and
sentences, signed them, and was responsible for their execution.
The Commentariensis had the control of the prisoners and kept
a registry. It was his duty to transmit every month to the
judge a list of persons arrested, giving their rank, age, and the
particulars of the crime with which they were charged. The
ScJiolastici were lawyers who assisted litigants in the Court.
Their rapacity was well known. They plundered the suitors
and did not hesitate to receive payment in kind as well as
in money. The Exceptores assisted at hearings, took notes of

1 Les Raines de Timgad, p. 109. 2 l.R.A. No. 1527 and C.I.L. No. 2391.
3 Annuaire de Conslantiue, 1SS3, xxii. 403. M. Poulle descrip.