Agora Publication: AgoraPicBk 14 (1974)
Title:   Graffiti in the Athenian Agora
Author:   Lang, M.
Abstract:   “Return the stamnos to Philippa’s brother Philip,” “cheap wine,” “Alkaios seems beautiful to Melis,” “Of Tharrios I am the cup.” Like fragments of overheard conversations, the thousands of informal inscriptions scratched and painted on potsherds, tiles, and other objects give us a unique insight into the everyday life of the Athenian Agora. Some are marks of ownership, or the notes of merchants, but many are sexual innuendos, often accompanied by graphic illustrations. Using her wide contextual knowledge, the author suggests why these scraps of sentences were written, and what they can tell us about one of the first widely literate societies.
Series Title:   Excavations of the Athenian Agora: Picture Book
Publication Place:   Princeton
Publisher:   The American School of Classical Studies at Athens
Volume:   14
Edition:   2
Date:   1974
1988
ISBN:   0876616333
Google:   http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN0876616333
Comments:   Revised version of 1974 edition.
Revised 1988.
Oxbow URL:   http://www.oxbowbooks.com/bookinfo.cfm/ID/28270
PDF:   AgoraPicBk-14.pdf
References:   Plans and Drawings (66)
Images (4)
Objects (85)