The student will acquire the essential knowledge on the subject (origin and development of alphabetic writing in Greece, characteristics of local alphabets, type of inscriptions and related supports, sector bibliography, specialized IT tools, etc.). He will also learn the fundamental techniques and conventions for the filing and for the edition of epigraphic texts. Through reading and exegesis of epigraphic texts, he will approach more directly some aspects of Greek civilization (above all political, institutional, social).
teacher profile teaching materials
B) Tools of the epigraphist: epigraphic corpora (printed and digital), repertories, and bibliographical guides. Knowledge of the technical conventions used by epigraphists.
C) How to prepare the edition of a Greek inscription.
D) History of writing in the Greek world.
E) Archaic alphabets through the reading of selected inscriptions.
F) Different epigraphic typologies.
G) Analysis of selected inscriptions (reading, translation, dating, palaeographic commentary, historical and typological interpretation).
H) Exercise in drafting an epigraphic record.
2) M. GUARDUCCI, Epigrafia greca, I, Roma 20052, pp. 391-487.
3) A. CHANIOTIS, Listening to Stones. Orality and Emotions in Ancient Inscriptions, in J. DAVIES - J. WILKES (eds.), Epigraphy and the Historical Sciences, Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2012, pp. 299-328.
4) Materials provided by the teacher.
Programme
A) Definition of epigraphy.B) Tools of the epigraphist: epigraphic corpora (printed and digital), repertories, and bibliographical guides. Knowledge of the technical conventions used by epigraphists.
C) How to prepare the edition of a Greek inscription.
D) History of writing in the Greek world.
E) Archaic alphabets through the reading of selected inscriptions.
F) Different epigraphic typologies.
G) Analysis of selected inscriptions (reading, translation, dating, palaeographic commentary, historical and typological interpretation).
H) Exercise in drafting an epigraphic record.
Core Documentation
1) M. GUARDUCCI, L'Epigrafia greca dalle origini al tardo impero, Roma, Istituto Poligrafico dello Stato, 1987 (and later reprintings).2) M. GUARDUCCI, Epigrafia greca, I, Roma 20052, pp. 391-487.
3) A. CHANIOTIS, Listening to Stones. Orality and Emotions in Ancient Inscriptions, in J. DAVIES - J. WILKES (eds.), Epigraphy and the Historical Sciences, Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2012, pp. 299-328.
4) Materials provided by the teacher.
Reference Bibliography
B.H. McLean, An Introduction to Greek Epigraphy of the Hellenistic and Roman Periods: From Alexander the Great to the Reign of Constantine (323 BC-AD 337). Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 2002Attendance
Given the technical nature and seminar-based structure of the course (which requires the active participation of students), the examination is primarily intended for attending students (attendance of at least 24 out of 36 hours is required). Attendance will be verified regularly by roll call.Type of evaluation
In order to take the examination, students must submit, at least seven days before the exam date, a written assignment containing the study of an inscription assigned by the instructor during the course and already discussed through preliminary exercises. The assignment must include the lemma, transcription, translation, and a brief typological commentary, according to guidelines that will be provided in due time. The examination will consist of a discussion of the written assignment and an assessment of the knowledge covered by the course (topics and inscriptions discussed in class, as well as the textbook). With regard to the epigraphic texts studied during the course, students will be expected to demonstrate the ability to read, translate, and analyse them correctly from both a grammatical and syntactical point of view.