Epigraphy in Byzantine Athens
The epigraphy was found on a variety of ceramic types. The following figure shows that the vast majority of vessels with texts on them are amphorae. Plates and bowls are also found in small quantities. The other categories are not found more often than once or twice. The generic category “vessels” are pieces which are undetermined. The large variety of ceramic types shows that the use of epigraphy was widespread.
(information from www.agora.ascsa.net, graph by F. Noij)
The location of the texts on the ceramic wares varies as well. Many texts are found on the shoulder, neck and body of the vessels. These are all very prominent and visible locations. Epigraphy also occurs on the handles, where it is usually placed on the location where it attaches to the body. These locations are less visible. Finally, some texts are located on the base of a number of ceramics. These texts could not be observed unless the vessels were turned around.
(information from www.agora.ascsa.net, graph by F. Noij)
The epigraphy found on the vessels from Athens can be divided into three different types: graffiti, dipinti, and stamps. The following graph shows their relative distribution on the 126 studied pieces. It can be seen that graffiti are the most prominent type, followed by dipinti. Stamps are less common. Four vessels have more than one type of epigraphy on them.
(information from www.agora.ascsa.net, graph by F. Noij)
Introduction
This online exhibition is based on research into 126 pieces of ceramic ware with epigraphy on them. These were all found during the Athenian Agora Excavations performed by the American School for Classical Studies in Athens (ASCSA). This section will briefly present some statistics regarding this material, which is important to understand the interpretations presented in other parts of this exhibition.
When these data are combined, a number of patterns can be observed. The following figure shows the correlation between the location of the texts and their types. It shows that the dipinti are only located on very visible locations, while stamps are primarily found on the handles. Furthermore, graffiti and stamps both occur on the base of the vessels.
