Latin Epigraphy
A.Y. 2019/2020
Learning objectives
The course offers an ample introduction to the Latin Epigraphy, to the epigraphical evidence and to methods employed in the epigraphical research.
Furthermore, the analysis of a number of epigraphical documents will provide students with an insight into the political, administrative, social and economic history of ancient Rome.
Furthermore, the analysis of a number of epigraphical documents will provide students with an insight into the political, administrative, social and economic history of ancient Rome.
Expected learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course students are expected to acquire the critical and methodological instruments which are necessary to read and interpret Latin inscriptions, and to employ the most used epigraphical corpuses and inventories. They are also expected to develop abilities to compile an epigraphical file, namely to transcribe, integrate and interpret Latin inscriptions. Such abilities should be employed to reconstruct various aspects of the political, institutional and administrative history of Rome and of other cities of ancient Italy and, more in general, of the Roman Empire
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Epigraphy and administration in the Roman age (60 hours / 9 CFU)
Unit A (20 hours / 3 CFU): Latin Epigraphy: Instruments and Methods
Unit B (20 hours / 3 CFU): Augustus' Res Gestae and the Documents of the Administration of the Empire
Unit C (20 hours /3 CFU): Magistrates' Fasti and the Roman Calendar.
The course is organized into three Units. Unit A aims at introducing students to the interpretation of Latin inscriptions, to the methods and instruments which are necessary to study epigraphical documents (such as corpora, databases, inventories). The analysis of different typologies of inscriptions (such as religious, funerary, honorary, official acts, etc.) will provide students with a comprehensive view on the epigraphical evidence.
Unit B will be primarily devoted to the study of a selection of excerpts from Augustus' Res Gestae, the so-called "Queen of Inscriptions", according to Mommsen's famous definition. This document will also allow, among other things, to introduce the major administrative developments which appeared during the Augustan age. In this respect, special attention will be devoted to documents that reflect the administrative reforms implemented, or planned, by Augustus.
Unit C will delve into a specific class of epigraphical documents, the magistrates' Fasti and the calendars of the Augustan-Tiberian age. We will especially focus on the events and festivities which were introduced during the Imperial period.
Unit A (20 hours / 3 CFU): Latin Epigraphy: Instruments and Methods
Unit B (20 hours / 3 CFU): Augustus' Res Gestae and the Documents of the Administration of the Empire
Unit C (20 hours /3 CFU): Magistrates' Fasti and the Roman Calendar.
The course is organized into three Units. Unit A aims at introducing students to the interpretation of Latin inscriptions, to the methods and instruments which are necessary to study epigraphical documents (such as corpora, databases, inventories). The analysis of different typologies of inscriptions (such as religious, funerary, honorary, official acts, etc.) will provide students with a comprehensive view on the epigraphical evidence.
Unit B will be primarily devoted to the study of a selection of excerpts from Augustus' Res Gestae, the so-called "Queen of Inscriptions", according to Mommsen's famous definition. This document will also allow, among other things, to introduce the major administrative developments which appeared during the Augustan age. In this respect, special attention will be devoted to documents that reflect the administrative reforms implemented, or planned, by Augustus.
Unit C will delve into a specific class of epigraphical documents, the magistrates' Fasti and the calendars of the Augustan-Tiberian age. We will especially focus on the events and festivities which were introduced during the Imperial period.
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of the Latin Language.
Teaching methods
The course will be offered in a lecture format. Online databases (especially Epigraphic Database Roma and Epigraphische Datenbank Clauss Slaby) will allow students to visualize and examine inscriptions. Some inscriptions will be uploaded on the Ariel platform or provided during the course.
A visit at the Museo Civico Archeologico of Milano is also scheduled, so as to offer students the possibility to examine the inscriptions which are collected in the Museum. In the course of the visit it will also be explained how to compile an epigraphical file, with special reference to problems of an editorial nature.
Students are strongly encouraged to attend the course, so as to correctly acquire the specific technical competence which is necessary for the study of inscriptions.
A visit at the Museo Civico Archeologico of Milano is also scheduled, so as to offer students the possibility to examine the inscriptions which are collected in the Museum. In the course of the visit it will also be explained how to compile an epigraphical file, with special reference to problems of an editorial nature.
Students are strongly encouraged to attend the course, so as to correctly acquire the specific technical competence which is necessary for the study of inscriptions.
Teaching Resources
Bibliographical references for attending students:
Unit A
A. Buonopane, Manuale di epigrafia latina, Carocci
Unit B
Augustus, Res Gestae. I miei atti, a cura di P. Arena, Edipuglia
Unit C
A book to be chosen among the following suggestions (in accordance with the teacher):
O. Licandro, Il diritto inciso. Lineamenti di epigrafia giuridica romana, Torre: Catania
G. Alföldy, Studi sull'epigrafia augustea e tiberiana di Roma, Quasar
I. Di Stefano Manzella, Mestiere di epigrafista. Guida alla schedatura del materiale epigrafico lapideo, Quasar
A. Invernizzi, Il calendario, Quasar
Bibliographical indications for non-attending students:
Unit A
1) A. Buonopane, Manuale di epigrafia latina, Carocci
2) G. Poma, Le istituzioni politiche del mondo romano, Il Mulino
Unit B
1) Augustus, Res Gestae. I miei atti, a cura di P. Arena, Edipuglia
2) M.L. Caldelli, M. Cèbeillac, F. Zevi, Epigrafia latina. Ostia: cento iscrizioni in contesto, Quasar (a selection of inscriptions must be arranged with the teacher)
Unit C
1) A book to be chosen among the following suggestions (in accordance with the teacher):
O. Licandro, Il diritto inciso. Lineamenti di epigrafia giuridica romana, Torre: Catania
G. Alföldy, Studi sull'epigrafia augustea e tiberiana di Roma, Quasar
I. Di Stefano Manzella, Mestiere di epigrafista. Guida alla schedatura del materiale epigrafico lapideo, Quasar
A. Invernizzi, Il calendario, Quasar
2) G. Giorcelli Bersani, Epigrafia e storia di Roma, Carocci
Unit A
A. Buonopane, Manuale di epigrafia latina, Carocci
Unit B
Augustus, Res Gestae. I miei atti, a cura di P. Arena, Edipuglia
Unit C
A book to be chosen among the following suggestions (in accordance with the teacher):
O. Licandro, Il diritto inciso. Lineamenti di epigrafia giuridica romana, Torre: Catania
G. Alföldy, Studi sull'epigrafia augustea e tiberiana di Roma, Quasar
I. Di Stefano Manzella, Mestiere di epigrafista. Guida alla schedatura del materiale epigrafico lapideo, Quasar
A. Invernizzi, Il calendario, Quasar
Bibliographical indications for non-attending students:
Unit A
1) A. Buonopane, Manuale di epigrafia latina, Carocci
2) G. Poma, Le istituzioni politiche del mondo romano, Il Mulino
Unit B
1) Augustus, Res Gestae. I miei atti, a cura di P. Arena, Edipuglia
2) M.L. Caldelli, M. Cèbeillac, F. Zevi, Epigrafia latina. Ostia: cento iscrizioni in contesto, Quasar (a selection of inscriptions must be arranged with the teacher)
Unit C
1) A book to be chosen among the following suggestions (in accordance with the teacher):
O. Licandro, Il diritto inciso. Lineamenti di epigrafia giuridica romana, Torre: Catania
G. Alföldy, Studi sull'epigrafia augustea e tiberiana di Roma, Quasar
I. Di Stefano Manzella, Mestiere di epigrafista. Guida alla schedatura del materiale epigrafico lapideo, Quasar
A. Invernizzi, Il calendario, Quasar
2) G. Giorcelli Bersani, Epigrafia e storia di Roma, Carocci
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final test will consist in an oral examination, in which students will be evaluated as to the acquired competence in the epigraphical field, with special reference to the themes treated in class during the course and in the handbook. Ability to read and comment on inscriptions will be especially evaluated. Non-attending students are encouraged to agree on an exam program with the teacher: they are expected to demonstrate detailed knowledge of the handbook and of the other texts and to be able to provide a commentary on the inscriptions dealt with in the suggested bibliography.
Unita' didattica A
L-ANT/03 - ROMAN HISTORY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
L-ANT/03 - ROMAN HISTORY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
L-ANT/03 - ROMAN HISTORY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)