Publius Virdius Bassus belonged to the equestrian family of the Virdii (cf. IGBulg 1174). He is attested in a dedication to Zeus and Hera from Tatarevo (IGBulg 1454) as νεωκόρος (official in charge of the main temple of the imperial cult). The phrase ἀπὸ στρατείαν, with the accusative typical for later Greek instead of the genitive (ἀπὸ στρατείας), translates the Latin formula "a militia" and reflects the military career of P. Virdius Bassus. He appears to have been one of the two sons of Publius Virdius Iulianus, "father of two military tribunes and himself formerly in the army" (πατέρα δύο χειλιάρχων καὶ αὐτὸν ἀπὸ στρατείας) according to an honorary inscription from Philippopolis (AE 2005, 1382).
The sanctuary of Asclepius near Batkun was founded in the early II c. AD under Emperor Trajan and became the most important sanctuary in Roman Thrace. For another member of the family who made a dedication there, M. Virdius Taurus, see IGBulg 1174.
