KT26-27 Greek Epigraphy

Course Name

Greek Epigraphy

University

UVA

EC

5/6 EC

Course date

semester 1 (2026 - 2027)

Registration open until

08/06/2026 - 20/09/2026

Location

Amsterdam (UvA), Utrecht (UU) en Groningen (RUG)

Instructor(s)

Dr. Mathieu de Bakker (UvA) & Prof. dr. Onno van Nijf (RUG)

Course objectives

In this course, students:

1. Develop and train their ability and skills to read and interpret Greek inscriptions in accordance with their level of attainment in the language;

2. Acquire knowledge of the handbooks, corpora and databases for epigraphic research and develop and train the ability to effectively use them for their own research;

3. Train the editorial principles used in publishing Greek inscriptions;

4. Learn how to write a systematic commentary on a Greek inscription;

5. Adopt an interdisciplinary approach to the interpretation of Greek inscriptions by including the original spatial context, the type of monument etc.

Course content

This an in-depth intensive introduction into Greek Epigraphy with most of the teaching and training in the immediate vicinity of the major archaeological monuments and museums in Athens. The intensive course is preceded by preliminary sessions in the Netherlands (on 13/11, 27/11 and 11/12 in the afternoon), in which basic heuristic instruction is given and Greek inscriptions are studied within their linguistic, literary, and social-historical context.

The course is primarily intended for MA, RMA and PhD students in Classics, Ancient History, Ancient Studies, Archaeology and Religious Studies, but it is also open to others. The course is part of the curriculum for Research MA and PhD students of the National Research School OIKOS. Prior knowledge of Epigraphy is not necessary, but you need to have a basic level of Greek (a completed elementary course of at least 10 ECTS or a high school exam/A-level in Ancient Greek).

The program in Athens consists of site and museum visits combined with epigraphical study. Students prepare flash-presentations (both individually and in groups) to be delivered during these visits. Each student prepares an individual epigraphic assignment, which consists of a critical edition, an epigraphical lemma and a commentary in relation to one or two specific epigraphical monuments. The assignments are discussed in a work-in-progress session on the final day of the excursion and followed up by a written paper upon return to the Netherlands.

The course will be taught in English.

Educational perspective

Greek inscriptions can be read and discussed in a secondary school classroom. Students will become acquainted with Athens, a destination of school excursions. Students of an Educational Master can do an assignment tailored to an educational purpose. If you want to do such an assignment, please indicate this to the teachers when you register for the course.

Course requirements / Language proficiency

Prior knowledge of Epigraphy is not necessary, but you need to have a basic level of Greek (a completed elementary course of at least 10 ECTS or a high school exam/A-level in Ancient Greek).

Lectures, Seminars, Excursion with site and museum visits including on-site presentations and discussion

Assessment

Written assignement     100%

  • The student will prepare the texts (translations) for classes, and hand these in or present them (individually or in a group). These will not receive an individual mark.
  • The student will give an individual presentation based on an epigraphical text, followed by peer review (non-graded).
  • The student will write a concluding written version of their epigraphic assignment that includes a text edition and commentary (graded, deadline: 31st January).

UvA/VU students who follow the 6 EC variant will complete a larger individual assignment.  This should be determined with the course coordinator in the first week of the course.

1. Preparatory sessions 25hrs

2. Athens course 55hrs

3. Presentations in Athens 10hrs

4. Individual assignment 50hrs

Total: 140 hrs. (5 EC)

 

Further information

Data on campus:

13 November, 14.30-18.00u (UU)

27 November, 13-17u (UvA)

11 December, 13-17u (RUG)

Excursion to Athens van 7-17 January

Background Literature and Course Materials

A personal contribution of up to €200 towards excursion expenses may be required.

When applying please copy your motivation letter to m.p.debakker@uva.nl and indicate your level of knowledge of Ancient Greek: you need to have a basic level of Greek (a completed elementary course of at least 10 ECTS or a high school exam/A-level in Ancient Greek).