Graffiti in the Athenian Agora

Book cover: Graffiti in the Athenian Agora

Extent: 32 pages

Publisher: Heinrich-Barth Institute

Subjects: Classical Studies, Mediterranean Archaeology

Series: Agora Picture Book

Series volume number: 14

Language: English

Paperback (Published)

(November 1988)

ISBN: 9780876616338

5.47 x 8.46 inches

Price: $4.95

In stock

This volume presents the results of the medieval component of the Nemea Valley Archaeological Project (NVAP) survey conducted from 1985-1990. The archaeological evidence points to a proliferation of sites dating to the 12th-13th century A.D.


Like fragments of overheard conversations, the thousands of informal inscriptions scratched and painted on potsherds, tiles, and other objects give us a unique insight into the everyday life of the Athenian Agora. Some are marks of ownership, or the notes of merchants, but many are sexual innuendos, often accompanied by graphic illustrations. Using her wide contextual knowledge, the author suggests why these scraps of sentences were written, and what they can tell us about one of the first widely literate societies.