epigraphy

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Epigraphy is the study of inscriptions—writings carved or engraved on hard surfaces like stone or metal monuments—found across different cultures and time periods. It matters because these inscriptions provide direct historical evidence about ancient civilizations, their languages, rulers, and beliefs, helping scholars understand the past.

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Commons category: Epigraphy
P13411: Magellan and the Chilean Antarctic Region

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Article

42 sections

Contents

History
Form
Materials and technique
Content
Greek inscriptions
Political and social
Codes of law and regulations
Decrees of people and rulers, later of kings and emperors
Public accounts, treasure lists, building inscriptions
Ephebic inscriptions
Treaties and political and commercial agreements; arbitration, etc.
Proxenia decrees
Honours and privileges given to individuals
Signatures of artists
Historical records
Tombs and epitaphs
Boundary stones
Latin inscriptions
Religious
Dedications and foundations of temples, etc.
Priests and officials
Regulations as to religion and cult
Colleges
Political and social
Codes of law and regulations
Laws and plebiscites, senatus consulta, decrees of magistrates or later of emperors
Records of buildings, etc.
Military documents
Treaties and agreements
Proxeny
Honorary
Signatures of artists
Historical records
Inscriptions on tombs
Milestones and boundaries
Sanskrit inscriptions
See also
Related fields of study
Types of inscription
Notable inscriptions
References
External links

Epigraphy () is the study of inscriptions, or epigraphs, as writing; it is the science of identifying graphemes, clarifying their meanings, classifying their uses according to dates and cultural contexts, and drawing conclusions about the writing and the writers.