CIL 11, 05265 (1) (Q9494)

Copy of the sacred rescript.Imperator Caesar Flavius Constantine Maximus, conquerer of the Germans, Sarmatians, Goths, Victor, Celebrator of triumphs, Augustus, with Flavius Constantine (5) and Flavius Iulius Constantius and Flavius Constans: In our survey of vigilant concernsWe embrace everything that upholds the society of mankind. But (10) it is the greatest concern of our foresight that all cities that appearance and shape classify among the ornaments of provinces and of all regions not only should retain their original prestige, but should be advanced to a better standing through (15) the generosity of our beneficence. You claim that you are joined to Tuscia in such a way that according to the tradition of ancient custom each year priests are selected by both you and the aforementioned in turn. These priests present theatrical shows (20) and gladiator games at Volsinii, a city in Tuscia. But because of the hardships of the mountains and the difficulties of the roads through the forests you urgently request that a remedy be granted and that it not be necessary for your priest to travel to Volsinii for the celebration of the games. (25) In addition, (you request) that we give a name derived from our cognomen to the city that now has the name [of] Hispellum and that you declare to be adjacent and next to the via Flaminia. In this city a temple dedicated to the Flavian dynasty should be built, whose craftsmanship is truly distinguished (30) for the grandeur of its name. In the same place this priest whom Umbria has provided for the annual duty should present the festival of the theatrical shows and the gladiator games. In Tuscia the custom should survive, so that the priest (35) selected from that place might celebrate the festivals of the aforementioned games as is customary at Volsinii. Since [you ask this], our approval has readily supported your prayer and your desire. For we allow to the city of Hispellum an eternal name, a (40) venerable name [derived] from our name, so that in the future the aforementioned city is to be called Flavia Constans. In the centre of this city we furthermore wish that a shrine of the Flavian [dynasty], that is, of our dynasty, be constructed of distinguished craftmanship, (45) as you wish. The restriction is noted, that a shrine dedicated to our name not be polluted with the deceits of any contagious superstition. We likewise grant you permission for the games to be presented in the aforementioned city, (50) although, as was said, the celebration of the games will also not depart from Volsinii at the time of the year when priests have been elected from Tuscia and the aforementioned festival should be celebrated. In this way (55) there will of course not appear to have been much modification from the old institutions. But you who have been petitioners to us on behalf of the aforementioned concerns will rejoice that those requests you urgently submitted have been obtained.