The Languages and Epigraphies of Iron Age and Roman Gaul

Mullen, Alex

Abstract

To grasp the complexity of the languages and epigraphies of Gaul, this chapter takes an interdisciplinary and wide chronological perspective. The earliest epigraphic texts (sixth to second centuries bce) are in Greek, Iberian, Etruscan, and, later, Latin, and are relatively restricted in terms of spread, numbers, and functions. They nevertheless draw in some local communities and create the context for the adoption of the epichoric epigraphies. A reconstruction of the adoption and development of Gallo-Greek and Gallo-Latin underscores the importance of Mediterranean contacts, particularly with Italy, combined with local factors. The reflections of regionality and bilingualism, which become increasingly visible after the epigraphic boom beginning in the first century ce, reveal the complexity of cultural contacts and the persistence of local practices. We remodel the evidence for the obsolescence of Gaulish epigraphy and language, playing down the weight of the literary sources and playing up the evidence from Gallo-Latin epigraphy itself.

Citation

Mullen, A. (2024). The Languages and Epigraphies of Iron Age and Roman Gaul. In A. Mullen, & A. Willi (Eds.), Latinization, Local Languages and Literacies in the Roman West (151-204). Oxford University Press (OUP). https://doi.org/10.1093/9780191994760.003.0005

• Online Publication Date: Nov 20, 2024
• Publication Date: Dec 19, 2024
• Deposit Date: Jul 3, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 21, 2025
• Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Pages: 151-204
• Book Title: Latinization, Local Languages and Literacies in the Roman West
• Chapter Number: 5
• ISBN: 9780198887515
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/9780191994760.003.0005
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/36869711
• Publisher URL: https://academic.oup.com/book/58982/chapter/494567258
• Contract Date: May 9, 2024