A Remarkable Discovery from Vindolanda
Among the many fascinating finds from the Roman fort of Vindolanda, located near Hadrian’s Wall, is a seemingly mundane yet profoundly significant artifact: a handwritten birthday invitation from the 1st century AD. This delicate wooden tablet transcends its physical fragility to offer a rare glimpse into the personal lives of Roman women in Britannia. It reveals their warmth, affection, and the social traditions that bound their lives together.
The invitation reads:
“Claudia Severa to her Lepidina, greetings.
On 11 September, sister, to celebrate my birthday, I warmly invite you to join us. Your presence would make the day so much more delightful for me. Please come if you are able. Extend my greetings to your Cerialis. My Aelius and little son also send him their regards.”
What makes this invitation particularly intriguing is its dual composition. The main text was likely dictated to a scribe, reflecting the literacy practices of the Roman elite, who often relied on professional writers or slaves for correspondence. However, Claudia Severa added a personal note in her own hand, writing:
“I shall look forward to seeing you, sister. Farewell, sister, my dearest soul. May fortune favor me, and greetings to you.”
This handwritten addition transforms the tablet into more than just a functional message—it becomes a testament to personal connection and genuine affection.
The Lives Behind the Invitation
Who Were Claudia Severa and Sulpicia Lepidina?
Claudia Severa and Sulpicia Lepidina were likely Roman women of high status, connected by their marriages to military officers stationed at Vindolanda. Sulpicia Lepidina was the wife of Flavius Cerialis, the prefect of the Ninth Cohort of Batavians, a unit integral to the Roman army in Britannia. Claudia Severa’s mention of “my Aelius” suggests her husband held a similarly prestigious rank.
The invitation highlights the close-knit nature of these military communities. Life on the frontier was challenging, and social connections were vital for maintaining morale and a sense of normalcy. The personal tone of the invitation demonstrates the warmth of their friendship and their shared experiences as women navigating life far from Rome’s cosmopolitan comforts.
Celebrating in the Roman Way
The birthday invitation also sheds light on how Romans celebrated personal milestones. Gatherings like the one proposed by Claudia Severa would have been an opportunity for relaxation, feasting, and companionship. For women in particular, these events offered a rare chance to strengthen bonds and share joys amidst the rigors of frontier life.
The Vindolanda Tablets: Voices from the Past
The birthday invitation is part of a larger collection of over 700 wooden writing tablets unearthed at Vindolanda. These tablets, written on thin slices of wood using ink, have survived remarkably well thanks to the waterlogged, anaerobic soil of the site.
A Treasure Trove of Roman Life
The Vindolanda tablets provide invaluable insights into various aspects of Roman life, from mundane administrative tasks to personal correspondence. They document everything from military supply lists and duty rosters to shopping lists and social invitations. These writings bridge the gap between history and humanity, allowing us to hear the authentic voices of people who lived nearly 2,000 years ago.
Why Is This Invitation Special?
Among the tablets, the birthday invitation stands out because it is one of the earliest known examples of writing by a Roman woman in her own hand. This personal addition by Claudia Severa transforms the artifact from a formal letter into a deeply human connection, emphasizing the universal and timeless nature of friendship.
A Timeless Connection
Claudia Severa’s invitation resonates across centuries. Despite the vast differences in culture and context, her affectionate words and anticipation for her sister’s visit are universally relatable. This small, fragile tablet not only illuminates the personal lives of Roman women but also serves as a reminder of the enduring power of human relationships.
Vindolanda’s discoveries, including this extraordinary invitation, continue to deepen our understanding of life on the Roman frontier. They connect us to the people who lived, loved, and celebrated in a world that, though distant in time, feels strikingly familiar.
