Squeezes
The Corpus Inscriptionum Latinarum currently holds one of the most extensive collections of squeezes worldwide. Most of the nearly 15,000 squeezes of inscriptions from Rome, Italy, and the provinces of the Imperium Romanum were produced already in the second half of the 19th century. The squeezes were made predominantly on paper, but the CIL archive also contains latex impressions, graphite rubbings, drawings on foil as well as a few impressions in gypsum.
When inscriptions are lost, damaged, or destroyed, they are only preserved in squeezes. In any case, squeezes reveal valuable information on the quality, texture, and characteristic style of the script as well as on the monument bearing the inscription and the material, condition, and decoration of its surface.
Our database provides information on whether squeezes are available for the inscriptions in the CIL editions. We can provide up to five photos of squeezes on request. Please fill in the attached file with the CIL no., EC no. and folder signature and send it to the address below. We will endeavor to process your request within four to eight weeks. Please note that incomplete lists will extend the processing time. Larger quantities of squeezes can be examined in the CIL offices by appointment. Please provide us with the above-mentioned data (CIL no./EC no./folder no.) in good time so that we can make the squeezes available. We request a specimen copy of the publications resulting from your archive consultation for our reference library.
We have also begun to take steps towards the digitalisation of the artefacts in the CIL archive. We understand the preservation of these artefacts, especially of the highly valuable squeezes, as one of our most important objectives in the upcoming years. So far, we have created digitalised 3D models of about 200 of our squeezes.
Click here for more examples from the CIL’s collection of squeezes.
Contact: Beate Zielke M.A.