Abstract
RIB 601 is a sandstone altar which was discovered in 1794 in the churchyard at Halton-on-Lune, three miles upstream of Lancaster. The stone, which is broken on its right-hand side, records a dedication made to Mars by a certain Sabinus and the men of a Numerus Barcariorum. It has been generally assumed that this is the same unit as the Numerus Barcariorum Tigrisiensium placed in the Notitia Dignitatum at ARBEIA (South Shields); this reference in the Notitia has been plausibly taken to apply to the late fourth century. This assumption of identity therefore entails postulating an earlier date for the unit's stay at Lancaster. As far as purpose is concerned, the usual assumption is that the function of the barcarii was one of transportation and lighterage. It is the purpose of this note to re-examine both assumptions.
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