Epigraphy: meaning, definitions and examples
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epigraphy
[ ษชหpษชษกrษfi ]
study of inscriptions
Epigraphy is the study of inscriptions or epigraphs engraved on durable materials like stone, metal, or ceramics. It is a discipline within archaeology and history that aims to interpret ancient texts and understand the cultures that produced them. Epigraphy is crucial for the study of linguistics, history, and archaeological findings.
Synonyms
inscription study, palaeography, textual analysis
Examples of usage
- The archaeologist specialized in epigraphy to decode ancient Roman inscriptions.
- Epigraphy reveals much about the social structure of past civilizations.
- Her interest in epigraphy led her to a career in museum curation.
- They found new evidence through epigraphy that challenged previous historical assumptions.
Translations
Translations of the word "epigraphy" in other languages:
๐ต๐น epigrafia
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคชเคฒเฅเค
๐ฉ๐ช Epigraphik
๐ฎ๐ฉ epigrafi
๐บ๐ฆ ะตะฟัะณัะฐััะบะฐ
๐ต๐ฑ epigrafika
๐ฏ๐ต ็ขๆๅญฆ
๐ซ๐ท รฉpigraphie
๐ช๐ธ epigrafรญa
๐น๐ท epigrafi
๐ฐ๐ท ๋น๋ฌธํ
๐ธ๐ฆ ูููุด
๐จ๐ฟ epigrafie
๐ธ๐ฐ epigrafika
๐จ๐ณ ้ญๆๅญฆ
๐ธ๐ฎ epigrafika
๐ฎ๐ธ epigrafรญa
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะฟะธะณัะฐัะธะบะฐ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแ แแคแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ epigrafiya
๐ฒ๐ฝ epigrafรญa
Etymology
The term 'epigraphy' derives from the Greek word 'epigraphฤ', meaning 'inscription'. It is made up of 'epi-' meaning 'upon' and 'grapho' meaning 'to write'. Epigraphy emerged as a scholarly discipline during the Renaissance when scholars began to study ancient inscriptions for historical insight. The systematic study of such inscriptions has significantly contributed to our understanding of languages, cultures, and societies, especially those of ancient Greece and Rome. As inscriptions provided direct written records, epigraphy became invaluable for confirming historical narratives and establishing chronological frameworks. Over time, the field has expanded to include inscriptions from various cultures and civilizations, making it a critical component of historical and archaeological research.