Tile-stamps of Optatiana/Sutor. An update

This article presents the results of the 2024 archaeological campaign at Optatiana/Sutor, focused on the basilica of the principia from the stone phase of the Roman fort. The campaign yielded 23 additional tile-stamps, bringing the total number recovered at the site to 83. The vast majority (81) bear the stamp of the Numerus Maurorum Optatianensium (NMO), with only two attributed to Cohors I Brittonum. The predominance of NMO stamps confirms the presence and significant role of this Moorish unit in the construction of the stone fort. Historical sources trace the unit’s origins to mid-2nd century AD vexillarii Africae et Mauretaniae cum Mauri gentiles, likely reorganized into a numerus under Marcus Aurelius before their deployment to Dacia. These new finds reinforce the interpretation of Optatiana as a key military site within the Dacian limes and shed further light on its construction phases and garrison history.