Adelphia (Roman noblewoman)
Adelphia (Latin: Adelfia) was a Roman noblewoman, known for being depicted on the Sarcophagus of Adelphia.[1]
Adelphia Clarissima femina | |
|---|---|
| Comitissa / Countess (?) | |
A medallion depicting Adelphia and her husband Valerius | |
| Born | 3rd or 4th century |
| Died | 4th century |
| Spouse(s) | Valerius |
She was the wife of a “Count Valerius”, who, according to recent studies, is the friend of St. Augustine cited in the Introduction of the De nuptiis et concupiscentia (“About marriage and lust”)[2]
Adelphia (and her husband) probably lived in the 4th century.
From the decorations on the sarcophagus, we know she was a Christian.
The Sarcophagus
The central medallion probably represents the couple, which is mentioned in the center of the lid by an epigraph:
- (H)IC ADELFIA C(LARISSIMA) F(EMINA)
- POSITA CONPAR
- BALERI COMITIS
- Here lies Adelphia, most famous woman, wife of Count Balerius (Valerius).
The rest of the Sarcophagus contains Christian decorations, but no other information regarding the couple.
References
- "Adelfia". Treccani, free Italian enclopedias.
- Mariarita Sgarlata, Et Lux Fuit, the catacombs and the sarcophagus of Adelfia (Italian), pp. 15-32
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