Agora Publication: Agora XXI
Title:   Graffiti and Dipinti
Author:   Lang, M.
Abstract:   Over 3,000 informal inscriptions scratched or painted on pottery, lamps, or other clay fragments have been found in the excavations of the Athenian Agora. In this volume, 859 of these graffiti and dipinti (representing those with sufficient content to be meaningful) are presented in catalogue and drawings. The texts consist of messages and lists, love names and curses, rough calculations, dedications, commercial and tax notations—in short, all manner of fascinating, all-too-human trivia. An introduction to each category defines the type, indicates special characteristics and suggests parallels, purpose, etc. Each example is illustrated in a line drawing with the exception of the tax notations (dipinti); in this case photographs seemed preferable owing to the fugitive medium and the run-on cursive forms. This skillful presentation of an important body of material contributes significantly to the study of informal Greek, especially in regard to letter forms and spelling, as well as to an understanding of the varying commercial practices in ancient Athens.
Series Title:   The Athenian Agora: Results of Excavations Conducted by the American School of Classical Studies at Athens
Publication Place:   Princeton
Publisher:   American School of Classical Studies at Athens
Volume:   21
Date:   1976
Page:   iii-v+vii-x+1-116
ISBN:   978-0-87661-221-7
Jstor:   http://www.jstor.org/stable/3601994
Google:   http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN9780876612217
DOI:   10.2307_3601994
    10.2307_3601995
Oxbow URL:   http://www.oxbowbooks.com/bookinfo.cfm/ID/20331
References:   Publication Pages (189)
Objects (843)
Deposits (201)