Inscriptions are arguably the most important body of contemporary evidence for ancient Greek history. Including laws and decrees, financial accounts, inventories and dedications from religious sanctuaries, and funerary monuments, they are an especially abundant source for the history of Athens and Attica. Inscriptions studied in this module will vary, but will always include some relating to the political history of the Classical and Hellenistic periods, for example the Athenian Empire, the Peloponnesian War, the Second Athenian League, Athens between the battle of Chaironeia and the Lamian War, the Chremonidean War, the Second Macedonian War, and political themes such as democracy, and others relating to social and economic topics such as the grain supply, slavery, the silver mines, education, and topics in medical, gender and religious history, such as healing sanctuaries, priests, priestesses and festivals, and the life of demes and other Attic local groups. The focus will be on longer documentary texts. All inscriptions will be studied in translation, and the module will make extensive use of material published on Attic Inscriptions Online.

• demonstrate a knowledge and critical understanding of the inscriptions studied, and of the strengths and weaknesses of inscriptions as historical sources.
• demonstrate a knowledge and critical understanding of the historical topics on which the inscriptions studied supply evidence.
• demonstrate a knowledge and critical understanding of the way in which inscriptions complement other types of historical evidence.
• demonstrate a knowledge and critical understanding of modern debates relating to inscriptions and an ability to evaluate the evidence with reference to these debates.
• discuss these issues in written work with coherent and logical arguments, clearly and correctly expressed.

2 lectures and 10 seminars; independent study

The lectures will take place at the beginning of the module and will provide an introduction to Athenian inscriptions.

Each of the seminars will be devoted to discussion of an inscription or dossier of inscriptions on a particular topic. Material for each seminar and suggestions for preparatory reading will be supplied in advance.

Independent study enables students to prepare for the seminars and to consolidate their knowledge following each seminar.

• analysis of inscriptions as historical evidence
• assimilating and synthesising complex information and ideas
• critical thinking skills, such as analysing and evaluating evidence, critiquing interpretations or arguments, and challenging assumptions
• constructing and defending arguments based on evidence
• clear, accurate and effective communication of ideas and arguments in writing and in debate
• employing basic skills and conventions in the presentation and use of epigraphical evidence
• bibliographic and referencing skills
• contributing to group discussions
• using IT resources effectively
• independent working and time management

The module will be assessed through an exam consisting of two source criticism exercises, weighted 50:50 (100%).

In the source criticism exercises, specific inscriptions will be set, and students will have to assess their significance, thus deploying their knowledge of the historical context and interpretations of it.

Type of assessment = EXSP

% Contribution = 100

Title = Inscriptions and Athenian History

Duration = 1.5 hours
(if applicable)

Approx. date of Assessment = spring semester

The topics to which the inscriptions studied relate will vary, but will include:

• political history of the Classical and Hellenistic periods, for example the Athenian Empire, the Peloponnesian War, the Second Athenian League, Athens between the battle of Chaironeia and the Lamian War, the Chremonidean War, the Second Macedonian War, and political themes such as democracy
• social and economic topics, for example the grain supply, slavery, the silver mines, education, and topics in medical, gender and religious history, for example healing sanctuaries, priests, priestesses and festivals, the life of demes and other Attic local groups

Attic Inscriptions Online (www.atticinscriptions.com)

P.J. Rhodes and R. Osborne, Greek Historical Inscriptions 404–323 BC (2007)

See the module handout for the full reading list.