Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus (Augustus) was recognised as state high priest during his rule and then deified after death. His name was a powerful one and being associated with it brought prestige. This simple grave marker, or epigraph, may well be drawing on the reputation of the emperor to win greater respect for its owner. The inscription reads:
C OCTAVI MARCELLAE L[iberti]泭
TRYPHONIS
AELIA MVSA FECIT
VIRO SVO MERENTI
[The tomb of] Gaius Octavius Tryphon,
freedman of Marcella. Aelia Musa set it
up for her deserving husband.
