Tombstone of Regina (stone)

Regina's tombstone. Inscribed and carved upright rectangular tombstone with triangular shaped top dedicated to a woman 'Regina'. In a gabled niche, framed by two pilasters, the deceased sits facing front in a wicker chair. She wears a long-sleeved robe over her tunic which reaches to her feet. Round her neck is a necklace of cable pattern and on her wrists similar bracelets. On her lap she holds a distaff and spindle, while at her left side in her work basket with balls of wool. With her right hand she holds open her unlocked jewellery box. Her head is surrounded by a large nimbus, but the whole face has been hacked off. There are inscriptions in both Roman and Palmyrene lettering reading 'Regina, freedwoman of Barates, alas'. Regina was a British slave who was freed by a man called Barates, from Palmyra in Syria, who married her. She died aged 30.