§72 Ulpius Alexander

Ulpius Alexander

(0072) Text: Οὔλ(πιος) Ἀλέξανδρος | οὐετρανὸς λεγ(εῶνος) γ᾿ [Γα(λλικῆς)] | ἀπὸ ὀπτίωνος | καὶ Οὐλ(πία) Φασαιελη σύ- | νβιος ἐποίησαν.

Translation: Ulpius Alexander, veteran of legio III Gallica former optio, and Ulpia Phasaela his spouse made this. (Trans. Christopher B. Zeichmann)

Commentary: Note that even though Herod the Great had a brother named Phasael, the name (and its feminine variant) is almost exclusively attested in Nabataean, Palmyrene, and Safaitic inscriptions (see commentary in CIIP 1.105). Thus, while it is conceivable his wife was Jewish, one is only justified in inferring that she was native to the Levant. Aerita was formerly part of Batanaea. He is also attested in §73.

Provenience: Aerita, Arabia 96-169 CE

Bibliography: IGLS 15.343; IGLS 2445; IGR 3.1183