Epigraphy fascinates modern scholars by its capacity to preserve undisturbed messages from cultures that disappeared hundreds and thousands of years ago. However, is is seldom acknowledged that epigraphic texts held the same amount of fascination, even if not for exactly the same reasons, already for textual communities in antiquity.

The goal of the seminar is to develop a methodological approach to identify and examine the influences between epigraphy and literacy. Each session will focus on a particular case of appropriation of epigraphic texts in ancient and medieval cultures when the differences of time or cultural context led to substantially new interpretations of epigraphic materials.

The Reading Group will convene at Mure Room, Merton College, OX1 4JD. No registration required.