The First Tomb
On the cover of this tomb were the letters D. M., which stand for Dis Manibus, meaning “To the spirits of the dead.” This phrase was commonly used in Roman funerary monuments to dedicate the grave to the departed soul.
The inscription commemorates Julia Emerita, and it was clearly set up by loving relatives, as shown by the words filiae piissimae, meaning “to the most dutiful daughter.” Although part of the age is damaged or missing, the care taken in the inscription shows respect and affection for the deceased.
The Second Tomb
A Longer Family Dedication
Once again, the tomb was dedicated with D. M. carved upon it, marking it as a Roman funerary monument From Raab to St. Martinsberg.
This inscription tells us that Marcus Valerius Valerianus served in the Third Italian Legion and lived for forty-two years. Buried with him was his young son, who lived only seven years. The tomb was erected by Ulpia Parajane, his wife, together with Ulpia Valeria, his daughter. The inscription reflects both military service and family loss, giving us a moving glimpse into Roman life on the frontier.
Marks on the Cover
On the top or cover of this tomb were carved mysterious letters and symbols, worn by time and difficult to interpret. Though their meaning is uncertain, they were likely either mason’s marks or abbreviated ritual formulas common in late Roman burial customs.
The Third Tomb
An Uninscribed Monument
The third tomb was of the same shape and size as the others, but it bore no inscription at all. This may suggest that the stone was never completed, or that the inscription was once painted or attached in another form and has since disappeared.
I have taken care to record these inscriptions because they do not appear in the great collection of inscriptions published by Gruter, making them valuable additions to historical knowledge.
The Fortification of Gomor
Expansion and New Bastions
The town of Gomor has recently been strengthened with new defenses. A larger area of land has been enclosed by drawing a fortified line from the River Waag to the Danube. Along this line, four new bastions have been constructed, greatly improving the town’s ability to resist attack Private Guides Turkey.
These works show the continuing importance of the region as a military frontier and the care taken to secure it against invasion.
Notes on Nearby Towns
Newhausel (Uyvar)
Of some other places near those already mentioned, I shall speak only briefly. One of these is Newhausel, called Uyvar by the Hungarians. It is situated by the River Neutra, not far from Nitria, and is both a strong fortress and a bishop’s seat.
Newhausel is regularly fortified with six large bastions, arranged so that the town lies in the form of a star, a modern design intended to resist artillery. Despite its strength, the town was eventually surrendered after six assaults to the Grand Vizier, who personally led the siege.
This surrender followed a disastrous decision by Count Forchatz, the governor, who had recklessly lost a large part of his forces at the Battle of Barchan. Even now, the bones of the slain are said to lie scattered across the field.
Changes under Ottoman Rule
After the capture of Newhausel, the Turkish Pasha took up residence in the palace of the Archbishop of Pressburg. The Christian church was converted into a mosque, marking a clear change in the religious and political character of the town.
