A military graffito on a pottery plate from the auxiliary fort at Buciumi (Roman Dacia)

Abstract

The epigraphic record pertaining to the auxiliary fort from Buciumi is quite scarce. This is especially true for onomastic evidence, indeed virtually none of the members of the local garrison is known to us by name. The graffito discussed in the paper, although incomplete; reveals the names of two individuals: a centurion and a common soldier. While the name of the centurion (Genialis) is quite usual, the miles displays an extremely rare name of uncertain origin (Zanax). The object of the paper is twofold. On one hand it discusses the phenomenon of military graffiti, especially ownership inscriptions, on the other hand it analyses various possibilities regarding the origin of the enigmatic name borne by the soldier in question.