Tombstone Inscription (Lavello, Italy)

This Hebrew epitaph was composed in remembrance of Puṭ ben Yovianu, from the “land of the Kittim,” traditionally identified as Roman Italy. The name Puṭ may correspond to the Italian name Fozio or the Germanic Poto or Bodo. The epitaph includes some traditional talmudic and biblical formulations but also modifies the conventional texts. The mention of a desire to visit the “House of the Sanctuary” might imply that Puṭ made, or attempted, a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.