Tombstone Inscription (Lucena, Spain)

Unknown

ca. 1050

[Ra]bb[i]‌ Lactosus, sleep
in peace, rest in peace
[un]til the consoler come[s]‌,
He who proclaims peace
at the gate of peace, they will [declare?]
peace, and may they say to hi[m]‌,
his resting place is peace.
Translated by Tiki Krakowski.

Published in: The Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization, vol. 3: Encountering Christianity and Islam.

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This tombstone was discovered near Lucena, Spain. Lucena was a prominent Jewish center during the height of Jewish culture in Arabic-speaking Spain. The use of a Latin name (likely vocalized “Lactosus”) without a Hebrew counterpart is unusual. The text of this tombstone reflects traditional Jewish messianic hopes and expectations of the bodily resurrection, ideas repeated in other monuments. Carbon dating places this tombstone around the year 1050.

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