Greek Institutions and Epigraphy

The aim of the course it to provide students with the basic elements, methods and technical aspects of Greek epigraphy as well as an introduction to the use of inscriptions as a source for historical research, with particular reference to institutional aspects. Indeed, the study of a large number of epigraphic documents, both public and private, will allow important aspects of the political and administrative, but also social and cultural history of the Greek world to be explored.

Knowledge: detailed knowledge of the fundamental elements of Greek epigraphy and of the core questions concerning: a) the origins of alphabetic writing in the Greek world, b) its diversified uses (from basic to complex) in respect to the different writing media, and c) the various graphic and linguistic features of Greek inscriptions and their development from the archaic period to Roman times.
Skills: ability to identify the various material features and typologies of inscriptions (both public and private), as well as their specific formulaic language, meanings, and purposes as means of communication; awareness of the methodology for using inscriptions as multidisciplinary sources, alongside other forms of historical evidence. Other expected skills include the appropriate use of technical terminology and the ability to use the most appropriate bibliographic tools.