Synopses & Reviews
Greek inscriptions form a valuable resource for the study of every aspect of life and death in the Greco-Roman world. They are primary witnesses to society's laws and institutions; social structures; public cults and private associations; and, of course, language.
An Introduction to Greek Epigraphy provides students and classicists with the tools to take advantage of the social and historical weight of these treasures.
The book begins by examining letter forms, ancient names, and ancient calendars, knowledge of which is essential in reading inscriptions of all kinds. B. H. McLean discusses the classification of inscriptions into their various categories and analyzes particular types of inscriptions, including decrees, honorary inscriptions, dedications, funerary inscriptions, and manumission inscriptions. Finally, McLean includes special topics that bear upon the interpretation of specific features of inscriptions, such as Greek and Roman administrative titles and functions.
Well-organized and clear as well as insightful and original, McLean's Introduction to Greek Epigraphy is an excellent source for beginners, nonspecialists, and specialists alike. The volume will be useful to students and scholars studying epigraphy and to those who study politics, governmental organization, archaeology, and ancient history or culture.
B. H. McLean is Professor of New Testament, Knox College, University of Toronto.
Synopsis
Inscriptions are an enduring and highly informative piece of evidence which, in many cases, seem to bring us close to those who created and commissioned them. This practical guide is an aid to those reading Greek inscriptions from the Hellenistic and Roman periods. McLean outlines the important uses of inscriptions in reconstructing social history, laws and institutions, private associations, dedications, and so on, and emphasises the importance of social, political and historical context when considering their meaning and value as pieces of evidence. He explains the construction of epigraphy including letter forms, ancient names. calendars, and classifies the different types (decrees, honorific dedications, funerary inscriptions etc) and the specific features and nuances of some examples.
Synopsis
A crucial reference for studentsand#160;and scholars of Greek culture
Synopsis
and#147;In short, this is a reference work of the best kind. For the beginner, it is indispensable. And for those who already know something about its subject matter, the book is in many ways useful, informative, and interesting. We all owe a debt to [the author] for undertaking this significant project, and for completing it so well.and#8221;
and#151;Michael Peachin, Classical World
and#147;. . . provides invaluable road maps for non-epigraphers faced with passages of inscribed Greek.and#8221;
and#151;Graham Shipley, Bryn Mawr Classical Review
and#160;
Greek inscriptions form a valuable resource for the study of all aspects of the Greco-Roman world. They are primary witnesses to society's laws and institutions, religious habits, and language. This volume provides students with the tools to take advantage of the historical value of these treasures. It examines letter forms, ancient names, and ancient calendars, knowledge of which is essential in reading inscriptions of all kinds.
B. H. McLean discusses the classification of inscriptions into their various categories and analyzes particular types of inscriptions, including decrees, honorary inscriptions, dedications, funerary inscriptions, and manumissions. Finally, McLean includes special topics that bear upon the interpretation of specific features of inscriptions, such as Greek and Roman administrative titles and functions.
and#160;
About the Author
B. H. McLean is Professor of New Testament Language and Literature, Knox College, University of Toronto.