Encyclopedia of Ancient Greek Language and Linguistics

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Graffiti
(691 words)

Abstract

Graffiti can be defined as unofficial inscriptions on walls or objects, whose primary function is unrelated to them. There are testimonies of Greek graffiti starting from the 8th c. BCE. The most important categories are: proper names, marks of ownership and trademarks (on vases), graffiti of sexual and erotic content, literary graffiti, and obscenities and insults.

The term graffiti refers to unofficial messages normally scratched —but also painted— on objects whose primary function is unrelated to them. Gr…

Cite this page
Beatriz Moncó-Taracena, “Graffiti”, in: Encyclopedia of Ancient Greek Language and Linguistics, General Editor: Georgios K. Giannakis. Consulted online on 19 March 2024 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/2214-448X_eagll_SIM_00000467>
First published online: 2013



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