Tombstone of Gaius Valerius

The arrival of the Romans in AD43 is one the most famous dates in British history. Of the four Legions that landed, the Ninth Legion were tasked with advancing up the east coast. They arrived in Lincolnshire in around AD47 and set up a fortress headquarters on Lincoln’s hilltop by the mid AD50s.

Gaius Valerius was a standard bearer with the Legion – a position of responsibility. He was from Italy, and died soon after the Legion arrived, at the age of 35 and after serving with the army for 14 years.

He was buried on what is now the South Common in Lincoln, in an area where other Roman military burials are known.

Help Gaius cross Ermine Street in our 'Go Gaius Go!' game