Corpus Inscriptionum Latinarum

Corpus Inscriptionum Latinarum is a comprehensive collection of Latin inscriptions, compiled by Theodor Mommsen and Wilhelm Henzen of the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities. The project was initiated in 1862 and involved collaboration with numerous scholars, including Eugene Albertini of the University of Lyon and Georges Lafaye of the École Normale Supérieure. The corpus is considered a fundamental resource for researchers in Classical studies, Archaeology, and History of the Roman Empire, with contributions from institutions such as the British Museum, Louvre, and Vatican Museums.

Introduction

The Corpus Inscriptionum Latinarum is an exhaustive compilation of Latin inscriptions, aiming to collect and publish all known inscriptions from the Roman Republic and Roman Empire periods. The project involved scholars from various institutions, including the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Sorbonne University, and was supported by organizations such as the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique. The corpus includes inscriptions from notable Roman provinces like Gallia Narbonensis, Lusitania, and Dacia, and features contributions from prominent epigraphers like René Cagnat of the Collège de France and Louis Robert of the Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres.

History

The history of the Corpus Inscriptionum Latinarum dates back to the mid-19th century, when Theodor Mommsen and Wilhelm Henzen began planning the project. The first volume was published in 1863 and covered inscriptions from Rome and Latium. Subsequent volumes were published over the next several decades, with contributions from scholars like Hermann Dessau of the University of Berlin and Christian Hülsen of the German Archaeological Institute. The project involved collaboration with institutions such as the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, National Archives (United Kingdom), and Austrian Academy of Sciences, and was influenced by the work of notable historians like Edward Gibbon and Barthold Georg Niebuhr.

Organization

The Corpus Inscriptionum Latinarum is organized into several volumes, each covering a specific region or theme. The volumes are further divided into sections, which include inscriptions from notable Roman cities like Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Ostia Antica. The corpus also features contributions from prominent scholars like Adolf von Harnack of the University of Berlin and Ulrich von Wilamowitz-Moellendorff of the University of Göttingen, and includes inscriptions related to significant events like the Punic Wars and the Reign of Augustus. The organization of the corpus reflects the work of institutions such as the Institut de France, Royal Academy of Arts, and Accademia dei Lincei.

Content

The Corpus Inscriptionum Latinarum contains a vast array of inscriptions, including Dedication inscriptions, Funerary inscriptions, and Honorary inscriptions. The corpus features inscriptions from notable Roman monuments like the Colosseum, Pantheon (Rome), and Roman Forum, and includes contributions from scholars like Georg Wissowa of the University of Halle and Friedrich Münzer of the University of Münster. The inscriptions provide valuable insights into the Social history of the Roman Empire, Roman law, and Roman religion, and have been used by researchers like Ronald Syme and Sir Moses Finley in their studies of Roman history and Classical antiquity.

Publication

The Corpus Inscriptionum Latinarum has been published in several volumes over the years, with the first volume appearing in 1863. The publication of the corpus was supported by institutions like the Prussian Academy of Sciences and the French Academy of Inscriptions and Letters, and involved collaboration with scholars from universities like the University of Heidelberg and the University of Vienna. The corpus has been widely acclaimed for its scholarly rigor and attention to detail, and has been used by researchers like A.N. Sherwin-White and P.A. Brunt in their studies of Roman history and Classical studies.

Significance

The Corpus Inscriptionum Latinarum is a seminal work in the field of Classical studies and Epigraphy, providing a comprehensive collection of Latin inscriptions that has been widely used by scholars like Sir Ronald Syme and Arnaldo Momigliano. The corpus has contributed significantly to our understanding of Roman history, Roman law, and Roman religion, and has been used by researchers like Peter Wiseman and T.P. Wiseman in their studies of Roman literature and Classical antiquity. The corpus remains an essential resource for scholars working in the field of Classical studies, and continues to be used by institutions like the British School at Rome and the American Academy in Rome in their research and teaching activities. Category:Academic journals