h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Bob, in A28801811 there seem to be two conflicting translations of the phrase VALI AELI DRACONIS.

- One is VALI AELI, the frontier of Aelius, and that the Draconis is tacked on the end to show this cup belongs to Draco.

- The other is that the phrase is VALI meaning the frontier, and that the cup belongs to Aelius Draco.

You seem to agree with both of these even though they contradict each other. I think the entry should be changed to point out that they are conflicting interpretations

Hi Gnomon
First thanks for your interest in the article, its nice to know people are reading it.

>>You seem to agree with both of these even though they contradict each other. I think the entry should be changed to point out that they are conflicting interpretations<<

I hoped that I had pointed out there were contradictions and there was some differing opinions, however it appears this point is not clear. If this needs ammendment I agree it should be done.

What ammendments can you suggest to clear up this point, and what is the next stage in this process.


Bob...

Well, at the moment you say:

"This has been taken by scholars as an indication that the Roman name of Hadrian's Wall was the Vallum Aelium, or the Aelian frontier. It was thought to be a souvenir or gift from Hadrian's Wall, and also bears the name of the person it was probably made for - Draco."

and later:

"The name Draco indicates a Greek, and it was customary at the time for those becoming citizens to take the Emperor's family name. During Hadrian's rule this gives us the name Aelius, so the name could suggest Draco was a freeman or a newly created citizen. It is also possible that Draco was an auxiliary officer1 of some status, who was presented with the bowl on his retirement after 25 years service. If so, he appears to have retired prior to 138 AD, as he took the Hadrian family name."

These two conflict with each other, as one assumes the AELI is part of the name of the wall and the other that it is part of Draco's name.

I suggest that we add after the first section the following:

"It is also possible that the AELI relates to the name of Draco rather than to the name of the wall, in which case the name of the owner of the bowl was Aelius Draco. The translation would thus end with 'from the line of the frontier and owned by Aelius Draco'."

We'd also have to reword one section near the end. Instead of:

"so the name could suggest Draco was a freeman or a newly created citizen"

we would have:

"so if the AELI in the inscription refers to DRACO rather than to VALI, the name could suggest Draco was a freeman or a newly created citizen"


If these changes meet with your approval, I can do them myself, although if I don't hear back from you in the next hour or so, I won't be able to do it until April.

G

It is much clearer now that will be fine thank you

Done.

Thank you, what do you think of the entry(s)

Can I ask a favour

Can you tell me how this can be corrected A26655573

Total so far: 193 miles, 190 miles on the >>>Fosse Way<<< and 3 miles across the Humber.

Although York marks the end of Ermine Street, to continue your journey:

* To the northwest, on Dere Street, is Aldborough (Isurium Brigantum): 15 miles
* To the northeast is Malton (Derventio): 17 miles
* To the southwest, on Ryknild Street, is Tadcaster(Calcaria): 10 miles
* Alternatively, you could just turn around and go back the way you came.

This >>>Fosse Way<<< Should be Ermine Street

If there's anything you want fixed in the Edited Guide, a post in <./>Feedback-Editorial</.> should do the trick.

TRiG.

End thread