Dossius

Dossius is a rare ancient Roman title, thought to be an honorific surname or patronymic given to a member of a noble family. The name is believed to be derived from the Latin word "dossus", meaning "one who knocks" or "doorway". It could also be related to the name of the river Dossius, which was a tributary of the Struma in ancient Illyria.

In Roman times, titles such as Dossius were used to indicate a person's social standing, family background, or inheritance. They often served as a surname, usually passed down through generations in a family. People with the title of Dossius may have held significant positions in Roman society, although historical records of these individuals are scarce.

The few surviving inscriptions referencing the title of Dossius are found in southern Italy and North Africa, hinting at the family's possible connections with Etruria or Greek colonies. However, the origins and meaning behind the title remain unclear.

A single Roman imperial inscription, issued around 150 CE, mentions a man called Dossius Merexcensus Sinensis, who was a procurator from the province of Mauretania Caesariensis. This individual's wife was Nes Caexionnese, pointing to a possible connection between their families.

While the title of Dossius is not well-documented, it provides insights into the complex system of social hierarchy in ancient Rome. Further research would be required to better understand the family's history, significance, and such other pertinent factors of their position within Roman society.