Presbyters Uniwersytet Warszawski
ID
ER 2222
Inscription on the brim of the baptismal font, constructed by the Presbyter Felix and other people. Kelibia (North Africa), AD 550/600.
S(an)c(t)o beatissimo Cypriano episcopo antiste
 
cum s(an)c(t)o Adelfio presbitero huiusce unitatis
 
Aquinius et Iuliana eius cum Villa et Deogratias prolibus
 
tesellu(m) aequori perenni posuerunt
 
(ed. Y. Duval 1982: 57)
When the most blessed Bishop Cyprian was a pontiff, with the holy Adelfius, the presbyter of this unity, Aquinius and his Iuliana with their children Villa and Deogratias constructed this mosaic for the eternal water.
 
(trans. S. Adamiak)

Discussion:

It is unclear whether the inscription is honouring Cyprian, the famous bishop and martyr of the third century, or is the Cyprian in question the bishop of place, contemporary to the inscription.
The term "unity" was often in Africa when referring to the Catholic (or Cecilianist) Church to distinguish it from other groups, especially the Donatists.

Place of event:

Region
  • Latin North Africa
City
  • Kelibia

About the source:

Origin: Kelibia (Latin North Africa)
Denomination: Catholic/Nicene/Chalcedonian
The inscription is on the brink of the baptismal font found in the church of the deacon Felix in Kelibia, datable to the second part of the sixth century.
The letters are of 6 to 7 cm in height.
Currently in the Museum of Bardo in Tunis.
Edition:
Trismegistos no. 199499.
Epigraphik Datenbank Clauss/Slaby no. EDCS-13500222.
Epigraphische Datenbank Heidelberg no. HD017207.
Bibliography:
Courtois Ch., "Sur un baptistère decouvert dans la région de Kélibia (Cap. Bon)", Karthago VI, 1955 (1957), 98-123.
Duval N., Notes d'épigraphie chrétienne, Karthago IX, 1958, 139-149.
Duval Y., Loca sanctorum Africae: Le culte des martyrs en Afrique du IVe au VIIe siècle (Rome: École Francaise de Rome, 1982), vol. 1, no. 25, 54-58.

Categories:

Functions within the Church - Urban presbyter
Described by a title - Presbyter/πρεσβύτερος
Ecclesiastical administration - Construction/Renovation
Economic status and activity - Indication of wealth
Devotion - Donations and offerings
Please quote this record referring to its author, database name, number, and, if possible, stable URL: S. Adamiak, Presbyters in the Late Antique West, ER2222, http://presbytersproject.ihuw.pl/index.php?id=6&SourceID=2222