Laudatio Turiae

The frequently moving eulogy inscribed on the stone is addressed from a husband to his deceased wife, lauding her virtues, self-sacrificing love, and unflinching loyalty toward him when she was still alive.

The wife's selfless deeds in defense of her persecuted husband range from sending him jewelry and money when he was in exile to offering him a divorce so he could have an heir—the couple was unable to have a child together.

Her husband also lovingly describes her virtues, among which he includes weaving, obedience, faithfulness to family, and religious purity.

According to the inscription, her first accomplishment worthy of praise was avenging her parents’ murder, which gives a rather surprising look into the roles of women within the family and society.

[8] The Laudatio Turiae is currently housed in the Museo Nazionale Romano at the Terme di Diocleziano (Baths of Diocletian) in Rome.