2nd Annual LATIN INSCRIPTIONS AND EPIGRAPHY

Location:  Museu Nacional de Arqueologia, Lisbon, Portugal

Duration: 2 weeks; July 12-30, 2010

Number of students: 6-8

Scientific Direction: Maia Langley and Joey Williams

Instructor: Joey Williams (PhD student in Mediterranean Archaeology, University at Buffalo) and Caitlin Allday

The collections of the Museu Nacional de Arqueologia, (Lisbon) and the epigraphic museum of São Miguel das Odrinhas (Sintra) - each contain a sizeable corpus of Latin epigraphy. Much of these inscriptions have been published in the Corpus Inscriptionum Latinorum, L’Annee Epigraphique, or other publications.  Thanks to the generosity of the Museu Nacional de Arqueologia, however, portions of this collection are now available for use as a teaching tool.  The opportunity for students to acquire hands-on experience with Latin inscriptions is a rare one considering the scarcity of epigraphic texts in many university collections, particularly those in the United States.  As a result, the PortAnta Research Cooperative is pleased to offer its first annual workshop in the study of Latin epigraphy. 

This program seeks to acquaint students with a basic understanding of Latin epigraphy, its study, and its presence in Portugal.  During the first week of the program, students will attend short presentations on the tools available for epigraphic study, complete regular exercises, and be guided through the available collections.  In the second week, students will apply the skills they have acquired to the study of these collections, receiving hands-on experience with inscriptions, graffito, and other elements of Portugal’s epigraphic corpus.  Participants in the workshop will acquire the skills necessary to accurately read, present, and analyze epigraphic texts.  Students will develop a deeper understanding of the method and theory of epigraphic study as well as a greater appreciation for the cultures and traditions of Roman Lusitania (Portugal and Extremadura Spain).

Students will have the opportunity to take a weekend trip to Mérida, Spain in order to examine the substantial epigraphic and archaeological remains there.  The tuition for this workshop, including lodging and transportation while in Portugal, will be €1,200.  All funds will support the operation of this and other PortAnta archaeological projects.  Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from Portugal as well as their costs for meals and personal expenses.

 This program is intended for undergraduate students with at least two semesters of experience reading Latin.  No previous experience with epigraphy is expected or required.  Mature high school students or students who have not yet matriculated will be considered.  Application deadline: May 1st.  Priority will be given to qualified participants according to the order in which their applications are received, i.e. first come, first serve basis. 

Students will be provided with a list of suggested readings to be reviewed and printed before the program begins.  Please email This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it for more information or go to the HOME page, under APPLICATION FORMS and fill out an online app or download a word file under DOCUMENTATION.

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