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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.