Rome's oldest known Latin inscription dates from the sixth century BC; the most recent major specimen was mounted in 2006-a span of more than two and a half millennia. Remarkably, many of these inscriptions are still to be found in situ, on the walls, gates, temples, obelisks, bridges, fountains, and churches of the city. Classicist Tyler Lansford has collected some 400 of these inscriptions and arranged them-with English translations-into fifteen walking tours that trace the physical and historical contours of the city. Each itinerary is prefaced by an in-depth introduction that provides a survey of the history and topography of the relevant area of the city. The Latin texts appear on the left-hand page with English translations on the right. The original texts are equipped with full linguistic annotation, and the translations are supplemented with historical and cultural notes that explain who mounted them and why. This unique guide will prove a fascinating and illuminating companion for both sophisticated visitors to the Eternal City and armchair travelers seeking a novel perspective into Rome's rich history.

This book is wonderful. My head is full of information I didn't know about Rome, despite my many years there. Lansford's evocative depictions of monuments, cityscape, and memorable humans have inspired me anew with the fascination of Rome. -- Mary T. Boatwright, Duke University

About the Author
Tyler Lansford is an independent scholar and the cofounder of Seattle Language Academy.

Reviews
Latin is a less and less common attainment even among educated travellers, so Tyler Lansford has come to the rescue... If this book is not slipped into many a Rome-bound suitcase, there is no justice in the world. I can think of few more enjoyable companions on a prowl through the city. -- Jane Stevenson Times Literary Supplement 2010 The Latin Inscriptions of Rome is a delight, one to which I shall turn and to which I shall send my students when in Rome, and which I recommend to everyone interested in gaining a wealth of detailed information about 'the epigraphic habit' and its importance to our understanding not just of ancient Rome, but of every era of the Eternal City's incredible history. -- James C. Anderson Classical Outlook 2010 Tyler Lansford... has put together the most original and stimulating guide to the Eternal City of the hundreds published in recent years. -- Masolino D'Amico La Stampa 2010



Book Information
ISBN 9780801891502
Author Tyler Lansford
Format Paperback
Page Count 600
Imprint Johns Hopkins University Press
Publisher Johns Hopkins University Press
Weight(grams) 703g
Dimensions(mm) 210mm * 152mm * 36mm