dogs
Today, canvassing in Longtown, there were two (Chihuahuas, I think) in long coats. Last weekend, in Appleby a red Labrador and an English sheep-dog. A two thousand year old statue of a lurcher was found near Kirkby Thore, just four miles from Dufton, possibly (see below) associated with Syrian archers.
Kirkby Thore was the Roman Fort of Bravoniacum. And along with the hound was (according to the astonishing website http://www.roman-britain.org/) a now-lost altar, saying FORTVNAE BALN N M S S G CALEDIVS FRONTINVS NOIV which could mean either:
“To The Fortune of the Baths,¹ and the Spirit of the Soldiers, in order that you take him into your protection Gaius Caledius Frontinus Noius has fulfilled his vow.” |
Or:”To The Fortune of the Baths the Company of Archers from Syria (commanded by) Gaius Caledius Frontinus Noius (set this up).”
(That’s a fair amount resting on the letters M S S)