A 1984 photograph by Barbara Bini of a memorial stone with an inscription to D. M. Venantius Basilius in the Colosseum in Rome (image from the American Academy in Rome, Photographic Archive, Bini Collection)
Overview
The 2020 program was canceled.
The summer program in Roman Epigraphy at the American Academy in Rome is an intensive two-week course designed to introduce advanced graduate students and early career scholars to the study of Roman epigraphy, particularly the reading, interpretation, and editing of Latin inscriptions from the city of Rome. Participants will learn how to read and classify the main types of Roman inscriptions (on stone, metal, and clay) and how to edit Latin inscriptions, both in print and according to the EpiDoc conventions for digital editing of epigraphic texts. Instruction will include hands-on practice in reading and recording inscriptions in the American Academy in Rome; epigraphic walks in Trastevere and the old city; visits to major museum collections (notably those of the Museo Nazionale Romano and the Capitoline Museums); and field trips to well-preserved sites on the Gianiculum and Vatican with Roman epitaphs and burials in situ. By the end of the course, participants will have learned how to edit unpublished inscriptions and will be able to read and understand most basic types of Latin inscription on stone.
Dates
June 17–July 3, 2020.
Application Deadline
January 31, 2020.
Director
John Bodel, W. Duncan MacMillan II Professor of Classics and Professor of History, Brown University.
Eligibility
Applications are invited from early career scholars and PhD students in classics, ancient history, classical archaeology, art history, museum studies, and related disciplines. The course can be physically demanding, with long walks in (sometimes) intense heat. Students are expected to prepare accordingly. The program is open to candidates of all nationalities with a sufficient command of English.
Costs
Tuition: €1,050 or $1,155 covers tuition, excursions, and materials supplied by the Summer School for use during the program.
Housing: housing at the American Academy in Rome is not guaranteed. Housing availability will be communicated upon acceptance. Participants should be prepared that they may need to find housing outside the Academy.
Meals: meals can be purchased at the Academy (€15 for lunch, €27 for dinner). The tuition includes one group dinner.
How to Apply
A complete application consists of a cover letter explaining why the program is of interest and indicating any previous study of Greek or Latin epigraphy, a curriculum vitae, and two letters of recommendation. Applications and all supporting materials, including recommendations, should be sent by email. The letters of recommendation should be sent directly by the individual referees.
All application materials should be sent to epigraphy [at] aarome.org (epigraphy[at]aarome[dot]org).
Payment
The deadline for tuition payments is May 31, 2020.
Accepted participants should send a check in dollars made out to the American Academy in Rome, with an indication in the memo line of “Latin Epigraphy,” to: American Academy in Rome, 7 East 60th Street, New York, NY 10022 USA.
For those wishing to pay tuition in euros please either: (1) make a bank transfer to the American Academy in Rome (please email for instructions) with an indication in the purpose line of “Latin Epigraphy”; or (2) provide us with your credit-card details by phoning +39 06 5846429.
Further information about the course can be obtained from the course director at epigraphy [at] aarome.org (epigraphy[at]aarome[dot]org).