KT26-27 Latin Epigraphy

An intensive introduction to the sources and methods of Latin epigraphy, mainly through on-site teaching.

For anyone interested in the social and cultural history of the Roman empire a rich data set of literary and material sources is available. While we may confidently rely on these sources for different aspects of ancient society, they also leave gaps for which ancient inscriptions often are our sole source of information or for which they offer important complimentary insights. This is true, for instance, for the administration of the Roman empire, burial customs and commemorative practices, socio-linguistics, family relationships and rights of succession, gender and social class, migration and cultural identity, religion, and the organization of professional associations. This course seeks to demonstrate the research potential of inscriptions for these and other topics by concrete examples we will discuss both in the classroom and on site. To this end the programme includes visits to the epigraphic collections of the Museo Nazionale Romano, the Musei Capitolini, the Musei Vaticani, a city walk along monuments with in situ preserved ancient inscriptions, and excursions to the excavations of Ostia and the nearby Roman necropolis at Isola sacra.

The course comprises individual study and research (under supervision) in the library of the KNIR, alternated with lectures, and museum and site visits. The programme includes visits to the epigraphic collections of the Museo Nazionale Romano, the Musei Capitolini and the Vatican, and further consists of a city walk along monuments with in situ preserved ancient inscriptions, and excursions to the Roman necropolis at Isola sacra and the ancient city of Ostia.

Latin inscriptions offer ideal material for innovative interdisciplinary teaching of classic languages and cultures in secondary school classrooms. Students will also become acquainted with Rome, an important destination of school excursions.