lnscriptions in the domestic sphere: Greece and the Balkans

The publication "Inschriften in Wohnhäusern, Band 1: Griechenland und der Balkan" deals with the meaning and function of inscriptions in upper-class dwellings from c. 400 BC to 600 AD. It was possible to analyse similarities, differences and developments in the use of these inscriptions. Apart from producers` stamps, coin legends and papyri, all texts were examined. These include inscriptions on architectural elements such as the façade, door frames and columns. Inscriptions also occur on mosaic floors, wall paintings and sculptures. On wall paintings, in addition to painted dipinti, spontaneously carved graffiti can also be found, which include drawings as well as texts. A number of the drawings may have been made by children, as well as alphabets that refer to the learning of the same. On the whole, however, the majority of inscriptions refer to adults, especially men. In a much smaller number, women can be identified as authors. Members of all social classes who frequented the house appear in the inscriptions freedmen and slaves of the familia as well as visitors and guests. The texts include greetings and wishes to the inhabitants of the house as well as apotropaic inscriptions for the protection of the house and its inhabitants, dedications (on altars and statuettes of deities), tributes to the heads of households (on sculptures with their portraits). Shopping lists and other household expenditure lists were documented in the graffiti. In addition, feelings especially of an erotic nature were expressed in them, sometimes in a witty, mocking manner. Figurative representations on mosaic floors and wall paintings were also provided with explanatory labels; sometimes there are also signatures of sculptors and mosaicists. The places where the texts were inscribed are distributed over the façades of the houses and the well-furnished living quarters, but also in the latrines. The height and size of the inscriptions were chosen to ensure good visibility and legibility.