Gaius Norbanus Sorex Explained

Caius Norbanus Sorex was an actor who lived in Italy and was active at Pompeii and Nemi during the time of Augustus.^[1]

Sorex is depicted in an inscribed bronze herm portrait discovered in the precinct of the Temple of Isis at Pompeii.^[2] The herm, located in the southwest corner of the portico was most likely a votive offering to the goddess.^[3] The inscription reads:C(aii) NorbaniSoricis[actor] secundarum [partium]mag(istri) pagiAug(usti) Felicissuburbaniex d(ecreto) d(ecurionum)loc(o) d(ato)^{[4] [5]}

"The portrait of Caius Norbanus Sorex, a secondary actor, magistrate of the suburban district of Augustus Felix, (was set) in a place given by the decree of the decurions."

Sorex is also attested on the inscribed support for another herm found in the Eumachia building on the forum of Pompeii and another at the sanctuary of Diana in Nemi.^{[6] [7]}

Notes and References

1. James L. Franklin, Jr. 1987. “Pantomimists at Pompeii: Actius Anicetus and His Troupe.” The American Journal of Philology 108.1:95-107.
2. Book: Lauren Hackworth Petersen. The Freedman in Roman Art and Art History. 19 September 2011. Cambridge University Press. 978-1-107-60359-2. 54–.
3. Book: Beate Dignas. R. R. R. Smith. Historical and Religious Memory in the Ancient World. 15 March 2012. Oxford University Press. 978-0-19-957206-9. 107–.
4. CIL X, 814 = ILS 5198
5. Book: Museo nazionale di Napoli. Handbook of the Antiquities in the Naples Museum: According to the New Arrangement.... 1908. Santa Maria ai Lanzati a Foria. 51–. MNN 4491
6. Book: Alison E. Cooley. M. G. L. Cooley. Pompeii and Herculaneum: A Sourcebook. 1 October 2013. Routledge. 978-1-134-62449-2. 99–.
7. M. G. Granino Cecere. 1988–89. “Nemi: l'erma di C. Norbanus Sorex.” RendPontAcc 61:131–51, figs 1–3.