Epigraphical Approaches to the Post-Classical Polis

This volume explores how epigraphy aids historical analysis of the postclassical polis, examining themes like identity, conflict, and governance through 16 diverse papers that highlight inscriptions as both texts and artifacts.

Epigraphical Approaches to the Post-Classical Polis explores the significant role of epigraphy in the historical analysis of postclassical city-states across various regions, including the Black Sea, Asia Minor, Sicily, the Aegean, and mainland Greece. This volume features a collection of 16 scholarly papers that delve into diverse themes, aiming to understand the postclassical polis both as a tangible reality and as a constructed concept.

The contributions within this book examine critical aspects such as the interactions between city-states and ruling authorities, the formation of ethnic and social identities, and the dynamics of interstate and civil conflicts, along with their resolutions. Additionally, topics like social economics, institutional processes, and religious phenomena are discussed. The authors approach inscriptions as both textual objects and artefacts, employing a range of methodologies from traditional epigraphy to more conceptual analyses.

Ultimately, this volume highlights that the postclassical polis is not a singular entity but rather a complex result of various power dynamics and negotiations, both ancient and contemporary. It emphasizes the importance of meticulous research on inscriptions to deepen our understanding of these city-states. Through its comprehensive examination, Epigraphical Approaches to the Post-Classical Polis contributes significantly to the discourse surrounding the historical and cultural significance of the postclassical polis.