Understanding Roman Inscriptions

Roman inscriptions are essential to understanding ancient history and archaeology
Over 300,000 Roman inscriptions are available
They offer insights beyond traditional literary sources, revealing details about previously unknown events and individuals
They are invaluable for prosopography (the study of historical figures and relationships)
Epigraphy (study of inscriptions) is fundamental to understanding the Roman world
Roman inscriptions are texts on various materials (stone, bronze, clay, wood, etc.)
Latin was the primary language in western provinces; Greek in the eastern
Inscriptions are often durable, making them excellent historical sources
They offer insights into everyday life, organization of the Roman Empire, and contemporary life
Inscriptions span a thousand years (from early Republic to late Empire)
They reflect linguistic changes in Latin over time
Keppie intends for the book to familiarize readers with inscriptions and aid in reading Latin texts
Keppie's book aims to provide valuable insights into Roman history

The process of stonecutting (lapicidae or faber lapidarii) relied on tools and techniques
Preparation involved smoothing the stone and marking guidelines for lettering
Often, faint lines were chiseled for row layout, and shapes drawn with chalk/charcoal
Roman inscriptions typically used capital letters, initially flat-bottomed grooves
Later, oblique chiseling (V-shaped grooves) and more stylized letter forms were adopted
Stonecutters had limited means for corrections, leading to some errors in final inscriptions
Roman inscriptions reflect variations in spelling/grammar, revealing linguistic changes
Decorative motifs sometimes adorned inscriptions, notably on tombstones
Techniques showcased Roman artistry and technical sophistication

Focuses on deciphering Latin texts on Roman stones, despite the language's modern scarcity
Readers do not need fluency in Latin to comprehend inscriptions' general meaning
Common abbreviations are explored, crucial for understanding inscriptions' content
The book explains the process of deciphering Latin inscriptions, regardless of Latin background

The Roman alphabet consisted of 21 letters
Roman capitals (scriptura monumentalis) were the standard for monumental inscriptions
Variations emerged through regional influences, changing stonecutting, and space limitations
The book explains common abbreviations like IMP, COS, and D.M. and their uses
Inscriptions often contain abbreviations for specific titles, people, or time periods

Accurate dating of Roman inscriptions can be challenging due to the absence of specific dates
Indirect clues, like references to political figures, emperors, or events in inscriptions, aid in dating
Romans used the Kalends, Nones, and Ides system to mark days, which is different from the modern calendar
Changes in lettering styles, like the "long I" or "unclosed P," offer clues for dating periods
Emperors' names/reigns and significant political events help determine approximate time frames
Inscriptions can refer to dates of construction or events connected to emperors' reigns

Roman towns (colonies, municipia) operated under constitutions to regulate various aspects
E.g., powers of magistrates, public meetings, citizen assemblies, which are reflected in inscriptions
Municipal governments were led by elected magistrates, supported by other civic officials
Inscriptions reveal civic pride and competition among families and towns, including campaign slogans

The Roman Empire's road network symbolized Rome's influence and its ability to control vast territories
Roads connected Rome to other parts of the empire
Roads were progressively developed, from simple gravel tracks to engineered stone roads
Roads were named after officials who commissioned them
Maintenance of roads was ongoing responsibility, often reflected in inscriptions

Roman legions formed the core of the military, often marked by inscriptions
Inscriptions commemorating soldiers(e.g., epitaphs), their names, origin, ranks, and legions are common
Inscriptions can show when units moved, and help in understanding military life in the Roman Empire
Roman army construction efforts, like Hadrian's Wall, are often marked by inscriptions

Temples were central in Roman religious life, serving as places for both communal and individual worship
Temples were often financed by wealthy individuals/communities, as reflected in inscriptions
Inscriptions detailing the gods or goddesses a temple was dedicated to are common
Inscriptions on altars provide crucial information on the dedicator and offerings presented
Private altars were also common, often used for prayers or vows that were documented in the inscriptions

Roman gravestones served as memorials, and are useful for understanding familial ties, social identities, occupations, etc.
Tombs were often located outside city walls, along important roads, were visible to travelers
Tomb structures varied in style and elaboration, reflecting the wealth and status of the deceased
Inscriptions on gravestones may include the name of the deceased, their age, and expressions of mourning.

Early Christian inscriptions were often found in catacombs, reflecting early Christian burial practices
Catacombs were underground burial networks utilized mainly for burial from 3rd-5th centuries because of land high prices
Christians, unlike pagans who practiced cremation, generally practiced burial, with the body wrapped in linen and placed in loculi (niches)
Inscriptions often contain brief messages of hope, such as "vivas in deo," or "requiescat in pace"
Later, Christian inscriptions in cemeteries showcase the shift towards ground-level burial places.

The Late Empire saw administrative reforms in the Roman Empire, impacting how Roman officials were titled
Changes in social structure (e.g., broader adoption of titles like “vir clarissimus”) and their significance for understanding social stratification are noticeable in inscriptions
Titles like “vir clarissimus” became common for high ranking officials, reflecting how complex the social hierarchy became
Inscriptions provide insight about changes in social structure within the Roman Empire from the 3rd to the 4th centuries.

Roman inscriptions are crucial sources for historians and archaeologists
Their contemporaneous and durable nature often makes them more reliable and accurate
Inscriptions can often reveal details not found in literary sources
Studying inscriptions can offer unique glimpses into everyday life, social structures, and the political world of ancient Rome

Despite potential limitations, inscriptions remain vital historical sources for understanding administrative changes, local governance, and societal structures in the Roman Empire
Inscriptions often help in understanding the careers of lesser-known figures