A Report upon the Herculaneum Manuscripts (1811) - Page 25

Herculaneum is twice called a Municipium—that is, a self-governing town—in an inscription I saw in the Royal Museum at Portici; and again, in another inscription which Julius Cæsar Capaccio presents.

That of the Royal Museum runs:

To M. Memmius, son of Marcus, Rufus, our Father,

The townsmen.

And this is confirmed, should more proof and authorities be demanded, by a brass plate, which at once demonstrates the municipal privileges of this city to the most scrupulous investigator:

To Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, son of Drusus,

Chief Priest (Pontifex Maximus), holding Tribunician Power for the 8th time,

Imperator for the 16th time, Consul for the 2nd time,

Father of the Fatherland, Censor.

By the will of Messius, son of Lucius, of the M. A. tribe,

Seneca.