Roman Plaque for Lucius Vibius Chief Centurion of the Third Augustan Legion

1st century AD
A military name plaque bearing an inscription 'L . VIBIVS . PRIM . PIL . / LEG . III . AVG' to one face translating to: L(ucius) Vibius prim(us) pil(us) / leg(ionis) III Aug(ustae) ‘Lucius Vibius, chief centurion of the Third Augustan Legion’. 14 grams, 79mm (3"). Fine condition. [No Reserve]
Provenance
Property of a European gentleman living in London; acquired on the UK art market.
Literature
The name formula of only first name and family name, but without a third name (cognomen), suggests an early date not later than the first century AD, but not earlier either, as the curve in letter P is fully closed (a form only reached in the first century).The p of pil(us) is slightly malformed, but the reading seems certain; for this abbreviation prim(us) pil(us) see: https://edh-www.adw.uni-heidelberg.de/edh/inschrift/HD004769
Footnotes
The Third Augustan Legion was stationed in Africa (Numidia), present day Batna in Algeria. The Third Augustan Legion was not only a source of protection for the Roman Empire, but it was also largely responsible for the urbanisation of the North African provinces. The Legion was initially stationed in Ammaedara (modern-day Haïdra) where they built their first military camp. From there they invested part of their time in the construction of roads, beginning expansion. These new connections led to the development of new towns and cities for civilians, camps for the military and even colonies for the veterans.

A town founded by Nerva in the 1st century especially for veterans was called Cuicul (now Djémila). The Legion helped protect this town just as in Thuburbo Majus. The town is located on a hill and the lower part was the original foundation. It was later extended up the hill as more and more commercial activity occurred. At the end of the 1st century there was a forum built which later became known as the North Forum.