Rest Lightly: An Anthology of Latin and Greek Tomb Inscriptions [Greek]

by Paul J. Shore

-- Introduction with chapters on the Value of Tomb Inscriptions, the Underworld, the Study of Tomb Inscriptions, and Women and Children -- Edited text of thirty inscriptions -- Line drawings -- Notes... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: Greek
• ISBN: 0865163553
• ISBN13: 9780865163553
• Release Date: August 1997
• Publisher: Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers
• Length: 84 Pages
• Weight: 0.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

For everyone...

In the introduction Paul Shore explains that most books written in Antiquity deal with men. Women and children are ignored (besides a few exceptions). With inscriptions it's a different matter. Thanks to the widespread of litteracy in the Roman empire many 'common' folk wrote inscriptions on walls (the early graffity), on tombstones and on tablets in temples. They tell something about everyday life like in this excerpt of A Charioteers' Grave (P.Shore gives the entire translation): We the members of his team 'Veneta', Dedicate this altar to Fuscus, ... Unblemished fame was yours. You earned the praise of the race course As you strove with many, fearing none, ... There were also more 'philosophical' inscriptions like this one: What are we Or what do we say At last this life is? Just that a man has Lived among us And now is no more. Just the stone And the inscription remain, And no other traces. Now what Is life? It is nothing that You should trouble yourself To inquire about. There are also thirteen black and white photo's of tombstones. Altogether a very interesting book.