ANCIENT SOURCES
 

LITERARY SOURCES
 

Author

Strabo

Title

Geography, book  V, 1.11

Notes

Modena is an important Cispadana city (175 BC).

Author

Pomponius Mela

Title

De chorographia, book II, 60,1

Notes

Modena is one of the furthest cities from the sea and the richest in Gallia Cisalpina.

Author

Pliny the Elder

Title

Naturalis Historia, book III, 115

Notes

Modena is a colony in Regia  VIII.

Author

Claudius  Ptolomeus

Title

Geography, book III, 1.46

Notes

Geographical co-ordinates of Modena: 33°, 43° 73''.

Author

----

Title

Imperatoris Antonini Augusti itineraria provinciarum et maritimum, 99.4

Notes

Modena stands on the route from Milan to Sicily, between Reggio Emilia and Bologna.

Author

-----

Title

Imperatoris Antonini Augusti itineraria provinciarum et maritimum, 127.3

Notes

Modena stands on the route from Rome to Milan, between Bologna and Reggio Emilia

Author

----

Title

Imperatoris Antonini Augusti itineraria provinciarum et maritimum, 282.1

Notes

Modena stands on the route from Aquileia to Bologna, and between Bologna and Vicus Serninus

Author

----

Title

Imperatoris Antonini Augusti itineraria provinciarum et maritimum, 282.6

Notes

Modena stands on the route from Verona to Bologna, between Vicus  of Colicaria and Bologna.

Author

-----

Title

Imperatoris Antonini Augusti itineraria provinciarum et maritimum, 283.6

Notes

Modena stands on the route from Cremona to Bologna, between Reggio Emilia and Bologna.

Author

-----

Title

Imperatoris Antonini Augusti itineraria provinciarum et maritimum, 287.6

Notes

Modena stands on the route from Cremona to Bologna, between Reggio Emilia and Bologna.

Author

-----

Title

Itinerarium Burdigalense, 616.9

Notes

Modena stands on the route from Rome to Milan, between the staging posts of Vittoriola and Pons Secies.

Author

------

Title

Tabula Peutingeriana, segmento III.4

Notes

The River Secchia flows between Reggio Emilia and Modena as far as the Po.

Author

------

Title

Tabula Peutingeriana, segmento III.4

Notes

Modena is on the Via Emilia, between Forum Gallorum and Reggio Emilia.

Author

-----

Title

Ravennatis Anonymi Cosmographia, 4.33=272

Notes

Modena is on the route from Tortona to Rome, between Reggio Emilia and Forum Gallorum.

Author

Guy of  Ravenna

Title

Geographica, 37=477

Notes

Modena (indicated here as Tutena) stands on the route from Tortona to Rome, between Reggio Emilia and Forum Gallorum.

Author

Strabo

Title

Geography, book V, 1.12

Notes

The Modena and Scultenna (Panaro) Region is noted for its production of best quality wool (1^st Century AD).

Author

Columella

Title

Res rustica,  book VII, 2

Notes

The sheep reared at Campi Macri, between Parma and Modena, are among the finest in Italy (1^st Century AD).

Author

Pliny the Elder

Title

Naturalis Historia, book II, 96

Notes

While the war was raging in Modena, a luminous sign, like meteors, appears in the sky over Rome (43 BC).

Author

Pliny the Elder

Title

Naturalis Historia,  book II, 199

Notes

Above Modena, just before the Social War, two mountains collide into each other causing fire and disaster (91 BC).

Author

Pliny the Elder

Title

Naturalis Historia, book II, 209

Notes

In the Modena area the earth shakes, like floating islands.

Author

Pliny the Elder

Title

Naturalis Historia, book II, 240

Notes

On the day of Vulcan (23 August), in the Modena area a flame spontaneously bursts out of the soil.

Author

Pliny the Elder

Title

Naturalis Historia, book XIV, 39

Notes

Modena is famous of its perusina grape.

Author

Pliny the Elder

Title

Naturalis Historia, book XXXV, 161

Notes

Modena pottery is among the best known in the Empire.

Author

Martial

Title

Epigrammata, book III, 59

Notes

The Author mocks the work of those who offer public ludi:  A cobbler in Bologna; a laundryman in Modena (late 1^st Century AD).

Author

Dio Cassius

Title

Roman History, book XLVI, 33.4

Notes

The statue of Minerva immediately before the war loses its fine complexion (44 BC)

Author

Diocletian and Colleagues

Title

Edictum de pretiis rerum venalium, 19.21, 23-26 ; 20.3, 13 ; 21.1 ; 22.16-18 ; 25. 1-2

Notes

Prices of main varieties of Modena’s wool and of some manufactures made with the same material are fixed (301 A.D.).

Author

Julius Obsequens

Title

Prodigiorum liber, 70

Notes

While the troops prepare for the Battle of Philippes, the statue of Mario at Modena is turned by itself in the opposite direction (42 BC).

Author

Priscian

Title

Institutiones Grammaticae (in Grammatici Latini, ed. Keil 2.60)

Notes

Mutina is a primitive not derived term .

Author

Polybius

Title

Histories, book III, 40.8

Notes

On receiving news of the approach of Hannibal, the Gauls rise up, occupying regions that have already been colonised and the settlement where Modena was to be founded (218 BC).

Author

Livy

Title

Ab Urbe condita, book XXI, 25.3

Notes

The triumvirate appointed to distribute land around Piacenza takes refuge in Modena because of the Gallic revolt (217 BC).

Author

Livy

Title

Ab Urbe condita, book XXI, 25.6

Notes

Modena is besieged by the Gauls, who, not being used to siege tactics, are the first to open peace negotiations (217 BC).

Author

Livy

Title

Ab Urbe condita, book XXI, 25.8

Notes

In order to help Modena, the magistrate Lucius Manlius intervenes with his army but is surprised and defeated in two ambushes (217 BC).

Author

Livy

Title

Ab Urbe condita, book XXIII, 23.4

Notes

The Boii Gauls, after having defeated the Roman legions in Selva Litana and killed the consul Lucius Postumius, use the latter’s skull for the sacred libations in their important sanctuary (216 BC).

Author

Dio Cassius

Title

Roman History,  book XV, 3.2

Notes

The consul Postumius Albino is defeated and killed by the Boii Gauls in an ambush while he is crossing a wooded mountain and his skull is then used in sacred libations (216 BC).

Author

Silius Italicus

Title

Punica, book VIII, 590

Notes

Modena, in competition with other cities, invites many men to come to the aid of Rome, which is in difficulty against Hannibal (215 BC).

Author

Livy

Title

Ab Urbe condita, book XXVII, 21.10

Notes

The father of Gaius Servilius, immediately after being elected as a people’s magistrate, is believed for ten years to have been killed at Modena but is in fact alive and a prisoner of the Boii Gauls (206 BC).

Author

Livy

Title

Ab Urbe condita, book XXXV, 4.3

Notes

The consul Lucius Cornelius Merula heads towards Modena in pursuit of the Boii Gauls, who refuse to fight and are defeated (193 BC).

Author

Livy

Title

Ab Urbe condita, book XXXV, 6.1

Notes

The consul Lucius Cornelius Merula sends a letter to the Senate about the campaign against the Boii Gauls and the victory at Modena (193 BC).

Author

Livy

Title

Ab Urbe condita, book XXXIX, 55.7-8

Notes

The colonies of Parma and Modena are founded on lands previously held by the Gauls and, before that, the Etruscans: among the triumvirates appointed are Marcus Aemilius Lepidus (183 BC).

Author

Livy

Title

Ab Urbe condita, book XXXIX periocha

Notes

Several colonies, including Modena, are founded (183 BC).

Author

Livy

Title

Ab Urbe condita, book XLI, 12.8-10

Notes

The consul Gaius Claudius faces the Ligurians in battle on the Scultenna (Panaro), bringing a decisive victory.

Author

Livy

Title

Ab Urbe condita, book XLI, 14.1-3

Notes

The Ligurians, taking advantage of Roman laxity, fall upon Modena and sack it, provoking the immediate reaction of Rome (177 BC).I Liguri, approfittando della rilassatezza dei romani, piombano su Modena e la saccheggiano, provocando l'immediata reazione di Roma (177 a.C.).

Author

Livy

Title

Ab Urbe condita, book XLI, 16.7-9

Notes

The pro-consul Gaius Claudius re-conquers the colony of Modena from the Ligurians (176 BC).

Author

Livy

Title

Ab Urbe condita, book XLI, 18.1-3

Notes

The Ligurians, remembering their defeat on the River Scultenna (Panaro), take refuge on two mountains above the plain, inflicting violence on their prisoners from Modena (176 BC).

Author

Sallust

Title

Historiarum reliquiae, fr. 79

Notes

The fragment probably tells how Gneus Pompeus, loyal to Silla’s reforms, killed his rival Marcus Junius Brutus (78 BC) at Modena.

Author

Plutarch

Title

Parallel Lives – Pompeus, 16

Notes

In the war that breaks out after the death of Silla, Gneus Pompeus remains faithful to the old general and intervenes against the rebels: At Modena he faces and defeats Junius Brutus, father of Caesar’s murderer (78 BC).

Author

Plutarch

Title

Parallel Lives - Crassus, 8.9

Notes

The magistrate Crassus, responsible for the part of Gaul Cisalpina to the south of the Po, is defeated by Spartacus (72 BC).

Author

Florus

Title

Epitoma de Tito Live, book II, 8.10

Notes

Spartacus’s army wins a brilliant victory at Modena over the magistrate Gaius Cassius Longinus (72 BC).

Author

Cicero

Title

Ad familiares, book VI, 8.3

Notes

The author recommends his friend Caecina to choose friends who will preserve him from trouble with Julius Caesar and who are now in Modena (46 BC).

Author

Cicero

Title

Ad familiares, book XI, 6.1

Notes

The author assures Decimus Junius Brutus that he has had his instructions from Lupus, who has just arrived from Modena (44 BC).

Author

Cicero

Title

Philippicae, V, 24-26

Notes

The Author reports that Decimus Junius Brutus has been besieged at Modena by the warlord Mark Antony, against whom he pleads armed support (43 BC).

Author

Cicero

Title

Philippicae, VI, 3-6

Notes

The Author once again pleads for armed intervention against Mark Antony at Modena and not to send offers of peace (43 BC).

Author

Cicero

Title

Philippicae, VII, 15

Notes

The Author rails against the suggestion of inviting Mark Antony to give his reasons to the Senate rather than fighting against him as a public enemy (43 BC).

Author

Cicero

Title

Philippicae, VII, 21-22

Notes

The Author gives his reasons why peace with Mark Antony is impossible: Among these, those besieging Modena cannot become other than enemies of the Senate (43 BC).

Author

Cicero

Title

Philippicae, VIII, 5

Notes

The Author ridicules the fact that Mark Antony should besiege Decimus Junius Brutus at Modena (43 BC). L'Autore ironizza sul fatto che Marco Antonio assedia Decimo Giunio Bruto a Modena (43 a.C.).

Author

Cicero

Title

Philippicae, VIII, 20-21

Notes

The Author opposes the proposal of attempting a second embassy of peace to Mark Antony at Modena (43 BC).

Author

Cicero

Title

Philippicae, XI, 22

Notes

The Author exhorts Vibius Pansa to concentrate on the campaign against Mark Antony at Modena (43 BC).

Author

Cicero

Title

Philippicae, XII, 4

Notes

The  Author rejects the arguments of Quintus Fufius and others seeking a pact with Mark Antony, who is besieging Modena (43 BC).

Author

Cicero

Title

Philippicae, XII, 8

Notes

The Author urges a continuation of the campaign against Mark Antony, also because of the fact that the fourth Martia legion has abandoned him and is now returning with the loyalist forces towards Modena (43 BC).

Author

Cicero

Title

Philippicae, XII, 11-12

Notes

The Author recalls that Mark Antony has already been offered every possible incentive to both force and convince him to voluntarily abandon the siege of Modena (43 BC).

Author

Cicero

Title

Philippicae, XII, 22

Notes

The Author, the subject of repeated attacks, would like to be able to face death with Decimus Junius Brutus in besieged Modena (43 BC).

Author

Cicero

Title

Philippicae, XIII, 11

Notes

Among those besieging Modena with Mark Antony there is also the poet Ansero, whom the rebel had given a villa that was not his own (43 BC).

Author

Cicero

Title

Philippicae, XIII, 13

Notes

The Author tells how Sextus Pompeus, son of Gneus, is in Marseilles ready to fight against Mark Antony at Modena (43 BC).

Author

Cicero

Title

Philippicae, XIII, 20

Notes

The Author remembers how the siege of Modena is the successful attempt by Decimus Junius Brutus to prevent the rebel Mark Antony fleeing towards Gaul (43 BC).

Author

Cicero

Title

Philippicae, XIII, 39

Notes

The Author rejects Mark Antony’s defence and his pretexts for besieging Modena (43 BC).

Author

Cicero

Title

Philippicae, XIII, 46-47

Notes

The Author praises the young Caesar Octavian who, though fighting for one of the assassins of his adopted father, does not repudiate the Republic (43 BC).

Author

Cicero

Title

Philippicae, XIV, 1

Notes

The Author comments favourably on news of the victory of Caesar Octavian, Aulus Hirtius and Vibius Pansa at Forum Gallarum over Mark Antony who was besieging Modena (43 BC).

Author

Cicero

Title

Philippicae, XIV, 4

Notes

The Author recalls the fruitless diplomatic activity in respect of Mark Antony at Modena (43 BC).

Author

Cicero

Title

Philippicae, XIV, 15

Notes

The news from Modena was stirring public meetings that were dangerous for the stability of Rome itself (43 BC)

Author

Cicero

Title

Ad familiares, book X, 11.2

Notes

Plancus announces to Cicero that he is awaiting Mark Antony, fleeing from Modena, to weaken him (43 BC).

Author

Cicero

Title

Ad familiares, book X, 14.1

Notes

The Author urges Plancus to take the initiative after the victory at Modena (43 BC).

Author

Cicero

Title

Ad familiares, book X, 30.4

Notes

Sulpicius Galba tells Cicero about the victorious battle of Modena (43 BC).

Author

Cicero

Title

Ad familiares, book X, 33.1-4

Notes

Asinius Pollio complains to Cicero about the delay with which he was informed about the result of the war in Modena and about having been left in Spain (43 BC).

Author

Cicero

Title

Ad familiares, book XI, 12.2

Notes

The Author urges Decimus Junius Brutus to crush Mark Antony in order to bring an end to the war and to the crisis in Rome (43 BC).

Author

Cicero

Title

Ad familiares, book XI, 14.1

Notes

The Author rejoices with Decimus Junius Brutus about the excellent news of victory arriving from Modena (43 BC).

Author

Cicero

Title

Ad familiares, XII, 5.2

Notes

Cicero tells Cassius about the difficult situation of Brutus, but is optimistic because he regards most of Gaul as still being faithful (43 BC).

Author

Cicero

Title

Ad M. Iunium Brutum, book I, 5.2

Notes

After the victory of Modena, the Author urges Marcus Junius Brutus to pursue Cornelius Dolabella in order to bring a final end to the war (43 BC).

Author

Cicero

Title

Ad M. Iunium Brutum, book I, 10.2

Notes

The Author tells Marcus Junius Brutus about the errors and misunderstandings that are thwarting the victory at Modena, but is hopeful that it is still possible to intervene (43 BC).

Author

Cornelius Nepos

Title

Atticus, 9.1

Notes

At the time of the war at Modena, Atticus remained a friend of Mark Antony, predicting future developments (43 BC).

Author

Strabo

Title

Geography, book IV, 6.7

Notes

Even Decimus Junius Brutus, on fleeing from Modena, paid the toll to the Salassi for crossing their territory, according to ancient custom (43 BC).

Author

Livy

Title

Ab Urbe condita, book CXVII periocha

Notes

Decimus Junius Brutus blocks Mark Antony at Modena while he is trying to occupy Cisalpine Gaul (43 BC).

Author

Livy

Title

Ab Urbe condita, book CXVIII periocha

Notes

While Mark Antony is besieging Decimus Junius Brutus at Modena, the Senate sends ambassadors to him proposing peace (43 BC).

Author

Livy

Title

Ab Urbe condita, book CXIX periocha

Notes

The Senate shows scarce respect for Octavian, not acknowledging his equal role with Decimus Junius Brutus for the victory at Modena (43 BC).

Author

Propertius

Title

Elegiae, book II, carme 1.27

Notes

The Author would like to praise the achievements of Augustus, including the war at Modena, but refuses to do so, declaring himself unworthy (around 25 BC).

Author

Ovidius

Title

Fasti, book IV, v. 627

Notes

Despite being an inauspicious day, on this day Caesar Octavian has won victory at Modena (43 BC).

Author

Ovidius

Title

Metamorphoses, book XV, v. 822

Notes

The work of Augustus was to bring peace even to the enemy at Modena (end 1^st Century BC).

Author

Velleius Paterculus

Title

Historiae Romanae, book II, 61.4

Notes

The young Octavian brilliantly leads the operations at Modena that bring about the liberation of Decimus Junius Brutus and the shameful escape of Mark Antony (43 BC).

Author

Velleius Paterculus

Title

Historiae Romanae, book II, 73.2

Notes

After the war at Modena and the escape of Mark Antony, the Senate reorganises its forces, placing them in the hands of Brutus, Cassius and Sextus Pompeus  (43 BC).

Author

Valerius Maximus

Title

Factorum et dictorum memorabilium, book IV, 7.6

Notes

Servius Terentius, by sacrificing his own life, tries to save that of Decimus Junius Brutus on his escape from Modena pursued by Mark Antony’s henchmen but they are not misled (43 BC).

Author

Seneca

Title

Suasoriae, 6.3

Notes

Quotation of Porcius Latro and his laments upon how the proscriptions do more damage than civil wars, like Farsalo or Modena.

Author

Pliny the Elder

Title

Naturalis Historia, book X, 110

Notes

During the war of Modena, Decimus Junius Brutus used carrier pigeons to overcome the siege (43 BC).

Author

Lucan

Title

Pharsalia, book I, 41

Notes

The Author reproaches Augustus for having based his success on civil massacres such as that of Modena (43 BC).

Author

Lucan

Title

Pharsalia, book VII, 872

Notes

The Author states that civil massacres such as that of Modena are no less serious than Philippes or others on which it is sought to make distinctions.

Author

Frontinus

Title

Strategemata, book I, 7.5

Notes

Mark Antony, in difficulty during the decisive battle, showed his men how to use the bark of trees as a shield (43 BC).

Author

Frontinus

Title

Strategemata, book III, 13.7

Notes

Aulus Hirtius communicated with Decimus Junius Brutus, besieged in Modena by Mark Antony, thanks to letters attached to weapons of soldiers who swam over the River Scultenna (Panaro) (43 BC).

Author

Frontinus

Title

Strategemata, book III, 14.3

Notes

To help the population of Modena who were short of food and salt, Aulus Hirtius sent help also by way of barrels transported into the city by the current of the River Scultenna (Panaro) (43 BC).

Author

Tacitus

Title

Historiae, book I, 50.2

Notes

The war at Modena is used as an example of the disasters caused by civil war (43 BC).

Author

Suetonius

Title

De vita Augusti, 9.1

Notes

La guerra di Modena è la prima delle cinque civili sostenute nella sua vita da Ottaviano Augusto (43 a.C.). The War of Modena is the first of five civil wars that took place during the life of Octavian Augustus (43 BC).

Author

Suetonius

Title

De vita Augusti, 10.2

Notes

Despite hoping to have him as an ally, Octavian Augustus preferred to fight Mark Antony at the War of Modena and indeed tried to have him killed (43 BC).

Author

Suetonius

Title

De vita Augusti, 12.1

Notes

When he heard of the alliance between Marcus Aemilius Lepidus and Mark Antony, Octavian immediately abandoned the Optimates to join the two generals (43 BC).

Author

Suetonius

Title

De vita Augusti, 77.1

Notes

Already at Modena, Octavian, who was still young, was notable for his moderation in drinking (43 BC).

Author

Suetonius

Title

De vita Augusti, 84.1

Notes

Nonostante la guerra, anche a Modena il giovane Ottaviano non smise di leggere e declamare (43 a.C.). Despite the war, Octavian did not stop reading and reciting even at Modena (43 BC).

Author

Florus

Title

Epitoma de Tito Live, book II, 15

Notes

The Author dedicates a whole paragraph to the War of Modena (43 BC).L'Autore dedica il paragrafo intero alla guerra di Modena (43 a.C.).

Author

Appianus

Title

 Civl Wars, book III, 49

Notes

Decimus Junius Brutus, in conflict with Mark Antony, fakes his return to Rome while heading into Modena, which is immediately besieged by Antony (43 BC).

Author

Appianus

Title

Civil Wars, book III, 61

Notes

Cicero urges the Senate to act firmly against Mark Antony, demanding that he abandons the siege of Modena (43 BC).

Author

Appianus

Title

Civil wars, book III, 65-66.1

Notes

Mark Antony holds Modena in bitter siege but Decimus Junius Brutus resists, confident of the arrival of Vibius Pansa, Aulus Hirtius and Octavian (43 BC).

Author

Appianus

Title

Civil wars, book III, 70

Notes

Aulus Hirtius, hearing of the battle between Vibius Pansa and Mark Antony, leaves Modena to take part (43 BC).Aulo Irzio, venuto a conoscenza della battaglia ingaggiata da Vibio Pansa e Marco Antonio, lascia Modena per parteciparvi (43 a.C.).

Author

Appianus

Title

 Civil  wars, book III, 71

Notes

The armies of generals loyal to Aulus Hirtius and Octavian return to Modena after the battle of Forum Gallorum and counterattack Mark Antony in a final offensive (43 BC).

Author

Appianus

Title

Civil Wars, book III, 72

Notes

Mark Antony, after the defeat at Modena, decides to abandon the siege and to head towards the Alps (43 BC).

Author

Appianus

Title

 Civil  wars, book III, 80

Notes

At Modena, Octavian had taken Decius, a faithful officer of Mark Antony, as prisoner (43 BC).

Author

Appianus

Title

Civil  wars, book III, 84

Notes

Mark Antony, after agreement with Aemilius Lepidus, leads a strong army, at the heart of which are the veterans of the siege of Modena (43 BC).

Author

Appianus

Title

 Civil  wars, book III, 86

Notes

According to the Senate, of all the soldiers under the orders of Octavian, only those who have taken part at the decisive battle at Modena have the right to receive their bounty (43 BC).

Author

Appianus

Title

Civil  wars, book IV, 1

Notes

Octavian, Mark Antony and Lepidus meet up on a small island on the River Lavino, near to Modena, and reach agreement after two days of negotiations (43 BC).

Author

Dio Cassius

Title

Roman History, book XLV, 36.3

Notes

Cicero urges the Senate to intervene with determination against Mark Antony, who is besieging Decimus Junius Brutus at Modena (43 BC).

Author

Dio Cassius

Title

Roman History, book XLV, 42.2

Notes

Cicero pleads the Senate to intervene against Mark Antony, also because of the clear ineptitude of his troops (43 BC).

Author

Dio Cassius

Title

Roman History, book XLV, 45.2

Notes

Cicero pleads the Senate to intervene against Mark Antony at Modena before it is too late and before he conquers all of Cisalpine Gaul (43 BC).

Author

Dio Cassius

Title

Roman History, book XLVI, titulus

Notes

The Author dedicates much of the chapter to the victory of Octavian over Mark Antony at Modena (43 BC).

Author

Dio Cassius

Title

Roman History, book XLVI, 35.2

Notes

Mark Antony besieges Decimus Junius Brutus at Modena (43 BC).

Author

Dio Cassius

Title

Roman History, book XLVI, 36.3

Notes

Octavian and Aulus Hirtius, after occupying Bologna, march towards Modena, but are stopped by the River Panaro (43 BC).

Author

Dio Cassius

Title

Roman History, book XVLI, 38.4

Notes

Decimus Junius Brutus benevolently returns to a senator the property that he had left at Modena, even though he had moved across to support Mark Antony (43 BC).

Author

Horosius

Title

Historiarum adversum paganos, book II, 6.18

Notes

Octavian Augustus supported five civil wars, the first of which at Modena with consuls Aulus Hirtius and Vibius Pansa, to free Decimus Junius Brutus who was besieged by Mark Antony (43 BC).

Author

Appianus

Title

Civil wars, book V, 6

Notes

Mark Antony limits the legions to which he hands out bounty promised after Modena so as not to burden the cities of Asia already weakened by the civil war (41 BC).

Author

Appianus

Title

Civil wars, book V, 129

Notes

Caesar Octavian discharges the veterans of Philippes and Modena, assuring them of the distribution of all the promised bounty (37 BC).

Author

Dio Cassius

Title

Roman History, book XLIX, 14.1

Notes

Octavian discharges the veterans of Modena along with the oldest in service, promising gifts of land (36 BC).

Author

Title

Dio Cassius

Notes

Roman History,  book L, 27.3

In his speech before the Battle of Actium, Octavian reminds his soldiers that they have already defeated Mark Antony at Modena (31 BC).

Author

Title

Dio Cassius

Notes

Roman History, book L, 28.4

In his speech before the Battle of Actium, Octavian reminds his soldiers once again, among other things, about their victory at Modena (31 BC).

Author

Tacitus

Title

Historiae, book II, 52

Notes

Solders faithful to Otho receive news of the defeat at Modena and plan to massacre the senators after their general (69 BC).

Author

Tacitus

Title

Historiae, book II, 54

Notes

The senators who had sided with Otho abandon him and leave Modena (69 BC).

Author

Ammianus Marcellinus

Title

Rerum gestarum libri qui supersunt, book XXXI, 9.4

Notes

After heavy defeats in Thrace, General Frigeridus allows the Goths and Taifali to settle in the unpopulated countryside of Modena, Reggio and Parma (377 AD).

Author

St. Ambrose

Title

Epistolae, book II, 8

Notes

In an attempt to console a friend, the Author describes the countryside of Emilia and the Apennines, full of cities, villages and fields that are abandoned and destroyed. Among the ruined cities is also Modena (387 AD).

EPIGRAPHIC SOURCES
 

Type of object

Inscription (AE 1975, 00394)

Type of information

Sepulchral inscription(I sec. d.C.?)

Place of preservation

Modena, Lapidario Estense

Path_image

Notes

P(ublius) AVRARIVS P(ubli) F(ilius) POL(lia) CRASS[us] / TR(ibunus) MIL(itum) VI VIR AID(ilis!)

Translation:

Publius Aurarius Crassus, son of Publius, of the Pollia tribe, tribune of the soldiers, sevir (priest), aedilis (magistrate).

Type of object

Inscription (CI L XI, 825)

Type of information

Celebrating inscription (136 d.C.)

Place of preservation

Modena, Lapidario Estense

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Notes

IMP(eratori) CAESARI / DIVI TRAIANI / PARTHICI FIL(ius) DIVI / NERVAE NEPOTI / TRAIANO HADRIANO / AVG(usto) PONT(ifici) MAX(imo) TRIB(unicia) / POT(estate) XVIIII CO(n)S(uli) III P(atri) P(atriae) / D(ecreto) D(ecurionum)

Translation:

To Emperor Caesar, son of the divine Trajan Particus, nephew of the divine Nerva, Trajan Hadrian, pontifex maximus, with the nineteenth power of tribune, consul for the third time, father of the fatherland, by decree of the decurions (this monument was erected).

Type of object

Stone table (CIL XI 826=6648a)

Type of information

Celebrating inscription (259 d.C.).

Place of preservation

Modena, Lapidario Estense

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Notes

IMP(erator) CAES(ar) P(ublius) LICINIVS / VALERIANVS PIVS FELIX AVG(ustus) PON(tifex) / MAX(imus) GERM(anicus) MAX(imus) TRIB(unicia) POT(estate) VII CO(n)S(ul) IIII / P(ater) P(atriae) PROCO(n)S(ul) ET IMP(erator) CAES(ar) P(ublius) LICINIVS / GALLIENVS GERM(anicus) PIVS FEL(ix) AVG(ustus) PONT(ifex) MAX(imus) TRIB(unicia) / POT(estate) VII CO(n)S(ul) III P(ater) P(atriae) PROC(onsul) ET P(ublius) CORNELIVS SALONINVS / VALERIANVS NOBILISS(imus) CAES(ar) PONT(em) SECVL(ae) VI IGNIS CONSVMPT(um) INDVLG(entia) / SVA RESTITVI CVRAVERVNT

Translation:

Emperor Caesar Publius Licinius Valerianus pious and blessed Augustus, pontifex maximus, germanicus maximus, with the power of tribune for the seventh time, consul for the fourth time, father of the fatherland, pro-consul and Emperor Caesar Publius Licinius Gallienus germanicus, pious and blessed Augustus, pontifex maximus, with the power of tribune for the seventh time, consul for the third time, father of the fatherland, pro-consul, and Publius Cornelius Saloninus Valerian most noble Caesar, out of the magnanimity took care of the restoration of the bridge over the Secchia destroyed by fire.

Type of object

Inscription (CIL XI, 827)

Type of information

Celebrating inscription  (284/285 d.C.)

Place of preservation

Modena, Lapidario Estense

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Notes

M(arco) AVRELIO / NVMERIO / NVMERIA/NO NOBILIISSIMO / CAESARI / MVT(inenses) PVBL(ice)

Translation:

To the most noble Caesar Flavius Valerius Constance, the general people of Modena.

Type of object

Inscription (CIL XI, 828)

Type of information

Celebrating inscription celebrativa (335/337 d.C.)

Place of preservation

Modena, Lapidario Estense

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FL(avio) VALER(io) / CONSTANTIO / NOBILISSIMO / CAES(ari) / MVT(inenses) PVBL(ice)

Translation: 
To the most noble Caesar Marcus Aurelius Numerius Numerianus, the general people of Modena.

Type of object

Inscription (CIL XI, 831)

Type of information

Celebrating inscription (circa 330 d.C.)

Place of preservation

Modena, Lapidario Estense

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Notes

L(ucius) NONIVS VERVS V(ir) CONS(ularis) BIS CORRECT(or) APVLIAE ET CALAB(riae) / VENETIARVM ET ISTRIAE COMES PATRONVS MVTINENSIVM AQVILEIEN(sium) / BRIXIANORVM ET VNIVERSARVM VRBIVM APVLIAE CALABRIAEQUE / VINICIAE MARCIAN(a)E C(larissimae) F(eminae) FIL(iae) CAECILIANI P(erfectissimi) V(iri) BIS RATION(alis) / VRBIS ROMAE ET AFRICAE PRAES(idis) LVSITANIAE CORR(ectoris) APVL(iae) ET CALAB(riae) VIC(e) PRAEF(ecti) PER ITAL(iam) / CONIVGI SANCTISSIMAE AC BENIGNISSIMAE CVIVS VITA MORVM / STVDIORVMQ(ue) LAVDIBVS ET VNIVERSIS VIRTVTVM ANIMI TAM CLARA / EXSTITIT VT ADMIRABILIA VETERIS PROBITATIS EXEMPLA SVPERARIT / QVO MERITO OMNIVMQVE IVDICIO SINGVLARI PRAECONIO / INLVSTRIVM MATRONARVM DECVS ORNAMENTVMQ(ue) EST ABITA // M(emoriae) C(larissimae) F(eminae) / M(emoriae) C(larissimi) P(ueri) / L(uci) NONI / FAVSTINI / LAVDICIAE

Translation:

Lucius Nonius Vero, consul, twice corrector of Puglia and Calabria, count of Venetiae and Istria, protector of Modena and Aquileia, of Brescia and of all the cities of Puglia and Calabria, to the fair lady Vinicia Marciana, daughter of Cecilianus, a most perfect man, twice responsible for supplies to the city of Rome and of Africa, governor of Lusitania, corrector of Puglia and Calabria, vice-prefect of Italy, a most chaste and benevolent spouse whose life has been so resplendent in honours for his manners and ways and for all the virtues of the soul, which have exceeded in admiration the ancient examples of probity, by merit and unanimous judgement of incomparable praise, was the honour and ornament of the most illustrious women. To the memory of the fairest lady and fairest boy, (Nonia) Laudizia and Lucius Nonius Faustinus.

Type of object

Silver vessel with an inscription (CIL XI, 3281-3284)

Type of information

Itinerary inscription (Itinerarium Gaditanum)  (I cent. A.D.)

Place of preservation

Rome, National Roman Museum

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Notes

Known also as the itinerarium Gaditanum or Vicarello’s vessel, site located next to Bracciano’s lake where it was found. The part of the text in which Modena  is mentioned is the following:

CIL XI 3281: (…) / LEPIDVMREGIVM (...) / MVTINAM XVII / BONONIAM XXV / (...)

Translation:

Regium of Lepidus (...), Modena seventeen miles, Bologna twenty five miles.

CIL XI 3282: (…) / REGIO LEPIDI (...) / MVTINA XVII / BONONIA XXV / (...)

Translation:

Regium of Lepidus (...), Modena seventeen miles, Bologna twenty five miles.

CIL XI 3283: (…) / LEPIDOREGIO (...) / MVTINA XVII / BONONIA XXV / (...)

Translation:

Regium of Lepidus (...), Modena seventeen miles, Bologna twenty five miles.

CIL XI 3284: (…) / REGIO (...) / MVTINA XVII / BONONIA XXV / (...)

Translation:

Regium of Lepidus (...), Modena seventeen miles, Bologna twenty five miles.

Type of object

Inscription (CIL XI, 834)

Type of information

Sepulchral inscription funeraria (I-II sec. d.C.)

Place of preservation

Modena, Lapidario Estense

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Notes

Q(uintus) AMIBILIVS T(iti) F(ilius) / POL(lia) TIRO MVTIN(a) / MILES COHORT(is) VII PRAET(oriae) / (centuria) GRAECINI VIXIT ANN(os) / XXXII MILITAVIT ANN(os) XII / ARBITRATV / MVMMELIAE VERECVNDAE / SORORIS / T(estamento) P(oni) I(ussit)

Translation:

Quintus Amibilius Tiro, son of Titus, of the Pollia tribe, of Modena, soldier of the seventh praetorian guard in the century of Grecinus, lived thirty three years and gave service for twelve years, under the control of his sister Mummellia Verecunda ordered by his will that (this monument) be erected..

Type of object

Inscription (CIL XI, 838)

Type of information

Sepulchral inscription  (I sec. d.C.)

Place of preservation

Modena, Lapidario Estense

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Notes

L(ucio) FAIANIO / L(uci) F(ilio) SABINO / AED(ili) FLAM(ini) PATR(ono) COL(oniae) / TRIB(uno) COH(ortis) PRIM(ae) LIGVRVM

Translation:

To Lucius Faianius Sabinus, son of Lucius, aedile, flamene, protector of the colony, tribune of the first cohort of the Ligurian legion.

Type of object

Inscription (CIL XI, 847)

Type of information

Sepulchral inscription (II sec. d.C.)

Place of preservation

Modena, Lapidario Estense

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Notes

D(is) M(anibus) / APPEIENA C(ai) F(ilia) PHILV/MENE FLAM(inica) MVT(inensium) / SIBI ET P(ublio) TITIO SABI/NO MARITO VIVA / POSVIT

Translation:

For the soul of the dead Appeiena Filomena, daughter of Caius, flaminica of the people of Modena, for her and for her husband Publius Titius Sabinus erected during his life.

Type of object

Inscription (CIL XI, 848)

Type of information

Sepulchral inscription (I sec. d.C.)

Place of preservation

Modena, Lapidario Estense

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Notes

TI(berius) ATIVS C(ai) F(ilius) IIII/VIR I(ure) D(icundo) V(ivus) F(ecit) ATIA L(iberta) / Q(uae) F(ecit) SIBI ET L(ucio) ORESTO / ET L(ucio) FLAVIO

Translation:

Tiberius Actius, son of Caius, quattuorvir for the administration of justice, while alive made (this monument), with Atia, freedwoman, who made it for herself and for Lucius Orestes and Lucius Flavius.

Type of object

Inscription (CIL XI, 851)

Type of information

Sepulchral inscription (I-II sec. d.C.)

Place of preservation

Modena, Lapidario Estense

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L(ucius) LICINIVS L(uci) L(ibertus) PLINTA / L(ucius) CLODIVS L(uci) L(ibertus) HOSPES / MAG(istri) VIC(i)

Translation:

Lucius Licinius Plinta, freedman of Lucius, and Lucius Clodius Hospes, freedman of Lucius, village administrators.

Type of object

Inscription (CIL XI, 853)

Type of information

Sepulchral inscription (II sec. d.C.)

Place of preservation

Modena, Lapidario Estense

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Notes

L(ucio) NOVIO / L(uci) F(ilio) APOL(linari) / DECVRIO / MVTINAE / [Noviae D]ONATILLAE L(ibertae) / [L(ucius) Novius] L(uci) L(ibertus) CHRYSEROS / [Apoll]INARIS / [Novia(?) Sp]ATALE / [et sibi] V(iva) F(ecit) / [in fr(onte) p(edes) ...] IN AG(ro) P(edes) IX

Translation:

To Lucius Novius Apollinar, son of Lucius, decurion of Modena, to Novia Donatella, freedwoman, Lucius Novius Cryseros Apollinar, freedman of Lucius, with Novia Spatale also for herself made (this monument) during their lives: Along the front extending for (?) feet, towards the field extending for nine feet.

Type of object

Inscription (CIL XI, 858)

Type of information

Sepulchral inscription  (II sec. d.C.)

Place of preservation

Modena, Lapidario Estense

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 [...]ARIO / [...] L(iberto) POLVRO / [... e]QVO PVBLIC(o) / [...] DECVRION[i ...]

Translation:

To (...)arius Polurus freedman, public cavalier, decurion.

Type of object

Inscription (CIL XI, 860)

Type of information

Public inscription  (I-II sec. d.C.)

Place of preservation

Modena, Lapidario Estense

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Notes

R(es) P(ublica) MVTINENSIVM

Translation:

Municipality of the people of Modena.

Type of object

Inscription (AE 1981, 387)

Type of information

Celebrating inscription (II sec. d.C.)

Place of preservation

Modena, Lapidario Estense

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C(aius) PETRONIVS / MANTES AVRIFEX / DECVRIO MVT(inae) / AVRIFICIBVS ET CONIVGIBVS / EORVM ET QVI INTER NOS SVNT LOCVM / LONG(um) P(edes) XXVI LAT(um) P(edes) XVI / CVM TITVLO ET SOLEA DE SVO DEDIT

Translation:

Caius Petronius Mantes, goldsmith, decurion of Modena, to the goldsmiths and their wives and to those who are among us, gave a place twenty six feet long and sixteen feet to the side with insignia and upper floor from his pocket.

Type of object

Inscription  (CIL XI, 948)

Type of information

Commemorative inscription  (I-II sec. d.C.)

Place of preservation

Modena, Lapidario Estense

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Notes

[... / nomina eorum / ... qui ...] PECV[niam ... / ... co]NTVLERVNT [in ... / ... Ca]ESAREVM FACIVN[dum ... / ... i]N XYSTOS AVGVS[tos(?) ... / ... no]VIS OPERIB[us ... / ... ex]TRVENDOS ORNAND[osq(ue) / in] MVNITIONEM VIA[e publica]/E SILICE STERNEND[ae / ...]ONIVS CN(aei) [f(ilius) ... / ...]ANVS ST(ati) F(ilius) Celer / [...]BIVS L(uci) F(ilius) [... / ...]CIVS T(iti) F(ilius) [... / ...]IVS T(iti) F(ilius) [...]

Translation:

The names of those who spend money in the creation of a Caesareum, (...), new works, creating decorations, in the paving of the public ways with cobbles: (...)onius, son of Gnaeus, (...)anus  Celer, son of Stato, (...)bius, son of Lucius, (...)cio, son of Titus, (...)ius son of Titus.