Understanding Roman Inscriptions

Over 300,000 inscriptions survive from the Roman world and they provide an invaluable source of information for archaeologists and historians about the great events of that time, and about the lives and occupations of ordinary people. This is the first handbook for non-specialists who want to learn how to read these Latin inscriptions and to understand what they reveal about Roman life and history. This book covers such topics as local government, the armies and the frontiers, religion, the title of emperors, business and commerce as well as the craft of stonecutting, developments in the alphabet and the discovery and publication of material. Clear guidance is given in translating Latin texts and an account of the other aspects needed for a full understanding of inscriptions is provided. Dr Keppie is an Honorary Lecturer in Classics at the University of Glasgow and is the author of "The Making of the Roman Army".