Roman inscription from Lilybauem

Roman inscription in Latin from 39-36 BCE commemorating the construction work carried out under the office of the prophet Lucius Plinius Rufus, who, on behalf of Sextus Pompey, son of Pompey the Great, commissioned the extension of the defensive fortifications in Lilybauem (now Marsala in Sicily), due to attacks by one of the triumvirs Marcus Lepidus.

Sextus Pompey, after the death of Caesar and during the rivalry of the conspirators (Cassius and Brutus) with the “Caesarians” (Antony, Octavian, Lepidus) strengthened his reign in Sicily, which was its base of operations. The great location of the island and large resources allowed it to operate effectively in the Mediterranean Sea and to influence the situation in Rome (including blocking grain deliveries to the capital).

The artefact is on display at the Parco Archeologico di Lilibeo in Marsala (Sicily).