GREEK EPIGRAPHY

This lecture course forms part of the History curriculum within the area of Methodology and Sources of Historical Research, serving as a foundational module for the Ancient and Medieval Mediterranean History programme.
The course specifically aims to provide comprehensive knowledge of the different typologies of epigraphic documents from the Archaic to the Hellenistic periods and of the development of the Greek alphabetic script within the broader Mediterranean context. Students will acquire critical understanding regarding the use and historical evolution of writing practices within Greece and throughout the Mediterranean, and develop a critical awareness of the sources and methodological frameworks fundamental to historical research.

By the end of the course, students will have acquired fundamental knowledge of Greek epigraphy from the Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic periods. In particular:

1. Knowledge and understanding
- Understand the main historical developments of Greek epigraphy as a scholarly discipline.
- Knowledge of the historical evolution and social significance of writing practices in Greek society from the Archaic through the Classical period, recognising the relevance of epigraphic heritage to Greek historical and social studies.
- Identify and describe the main typologies of Greek epigraphic documents.
- Knowledge of the development of Greek alphabetic writing.
- Foundational knowledge of epigraphic philology (including genetic lemma, abbreviations, gap-filling) and their application in editing inscriptions.
- Familiarise with essential bibliographic tools for epigraphic research, both traditional and digital, and understand their use within the discipline.


2. Ability to apply knowledge
- (Understand the main historical developments of Greek epigraphy as a scholarly discipline.) They will have knowledge of the bibliography of the field, and in particular of the production and organisation of the IG volumes and the main epigraphic corpora.
- (Knowledge of the historical evolution and social significance of writing practices in Greek society.) They will be able to compare the different stages in the historical development of writing.
- (Identify and describe the main typologies of Greek epigraphic documents.) They will be able to recognise epigraphic typologies and use the appropriate terminology to describe them.
- (Knowledge of the development of Greek alphabetic writing.) They will be able to place epigraphic documents in their geographical and chronological context.
- (Foundational knowledge of epigraphic philology.) They will be able to use their knowledge of the basics of epigraphic philology to catalogue an epigraphic text appropriately.
- (Familiarise with essential bibliographic tools for epigraphic research.) They will be able to use the main bibliographical tools for epigraphic research, both traditional and digital.


3. Critical Thinking
Students will demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate different types of epigraphic documents, accurately situating them within their geographical and chronological contexts.
Students will effectively structure epigraphic records (basic editions), applying principles of epigraphic philology and using bibliographical resources critically.

4. Communication Skills
Students will clearly articulate technical aspects of Greek epigraphy using precise, discipline-specific terminology.
Students will interact critically and respectfully with peers and instructors, both during in-class discussions and in online forums.

5. Learning Skills
Students will develop effective note-taking skills and collaborate in sharing notes through the online platform.
Students will critically engage with bibliographic resources and the referral texts.

Compulsory:
For students on the Classics curriculum, adequate knowledge of Ancient Greek is compulsory. Students from curricula other than Classics may, after consultation with the professor, define an alternative curriculum that does not require full knowledge of Ancient Greek.

Desirable:
Students may wish to attend the lectures of Greek history and History of Ancient Greek Language first, although this is not a compulsory prerequisite.

1. Origin and historical developments of the discipline
2. Origin and spread of the Greek alphabet
3. Archaic alphabets and numeral systems (with readings and analysis of selected texts)
4. Principal monumental and textual typologies of Greek epigraphic documents (with readings and commentary on selected texts)
5. Foundations of epigraphic philology (genetic lemma, abbreviations, gap-filling), accompanied by practical exercises
6. Application of learned methods through practical exercises on selected epigraphic documents.

Selected parts of M. Guarducci, L’Epigrafia greca dalle origini al tardo impero, Roma, Istituto Poligrafico dello Stato, 1987 (e successive ristampe).

Selected parts of C. Antonetti - S. De Vido (a cura di), Iscrizioni greche. Un’antologia, Carocci, Roma 2017.

Selected parts of A. Inglese - A. Campus (a cura di), Percorsi di ricerca in epigrafia greca, Quasar, Roma 2025.

Additional bibliography useful for the study of the selected epigraphic documents will be provided in class.
The teaching materials used in class (texts, translations, traditional and digital bibliographic tools) will be available on the teaching materials pages (in accordance with copyright regulations).

Interview of approximately 30 minutes. The exam will be structured as follows:

First part: Questions on the compulsory textbooks. Topics: history of the origin and spread of the alphabet; archaic Greek alphabets; epigraphic monumental and textual typologies.

Second part: Reading, translating and commenting one or two epigraphic texts chosen from those covered in class.

Students with disabilities and/or DSA:
Students should get in touch with the professor in advance in order to agree on the materials and the examination methods with the support of the University services (disabilita@unive.it).

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The assessment of learning and the corresponding final mark will consider the following criteria:

- Knowledge of fundamental concepts: Clear understanding of the core principles and foundational knowledge of the discipline.
- Analytical skills: Ability to critically examine and interpret the epigraphic sources discussed during classes.
- Communicative competence: Effective communication, particularly demonstrated by summarisation skills, logical coherence in argumentation, and precise use of specialised vocabulary.

Evaluation Criteria:

- High (27-30): Comprehensive understanding of topics addressed during lectures and in recommended readings; advanced ability to critically analyze texts; strong capability to formulate coherent, well-supported arguments.

- Good (23-26): Solid, though primarily mnemonic knowledge of content; analytical skills; generally accurate but occasionally imprecise use of specialized vocabulary.

- Sufficient (18-22): Basic knowledge of course content; noticeable inaccuracies in analysis and technical language.

- Inadequate (Below 18): Significant gaps in fundamental knowledge; frequent misuse of technical vocabulary; limited ability to contextualize studied topics.

A distinction of merit will be awarded to students demonstrating outstanding knowledge, insightful application of concepts from the syllabus, sound judgment, and excellent communication skills.

- Lectures: Supported by supplementary materials available on the University’s e-learning platform (moodle.unive.it)
- Seminars: Guest lectures delivered by one or two international experts in the field.
- Practical sessions: Hands-on training in the Epigraphy Laboratory, focusing on digital tools and techniques for preparing squeezes and rubbings.

Support for Students with Disabilities or Specific Learning Difficulties (DSA):
Students with disabilities or specific learning difficulties can consult the Support for Students with Disabilities and/or DSA page to decide whether and how to take advantage of the peer tutoring offered by the Study Support Tutor(s). The tutors do not provide tuition but are available to help you organise your studies and/or refine your study methods. It is advisable to contact the professor in order to agree on any additional tools and materials to support the lectures.

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Please refer to the Calendario accademico e appelli d’esame. Lauree e lauree magistrali (https://www.unive.it/pag/34562/ ) for the timetable and location of lectures.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Human capital, health, education" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development