Records
Among the forgotten treasures in the CIL archive is an extensive collection of records (German “Scheden”), stored in 650 boxes, which is yet to be thoroughly examined. For very many of the inscriptions edited in the CIL up to the First World War, one or more sheets are preserved. On these, the text and a number of additional details about the script and monument or excerpts from manuscripts are noted. Subsequent editors corrected the records or added their own annotations. At times, these pages include the correspondence between scholars who had been discussing the respective inscription.
Often the pages contain more information than could be included into the CIL editions. Frequently, sketches of inscriptions and monuments were made. The CIL’s collection of records is thus an important source of valuable information. Moreover, these pages illustrate the history and the development of epigraphic research.
For the publication of new editions or supplementary volumes, the respective records are consulted regularly. In course of this process, some of the pages have already been digitalised.
If you are working on inscriptions that have been edited in the CIL or are pursuing research-historical questions concerning the CIL and would like to consult a large number of records, please contact us at an early stage. We can then clarify whether documents relating to your questions are available and make them available to you during a visit to our Research Center. Scans can also be made if necessary for inquiries concerning up to 10 inscriptions. We will endeavor to process your request within four to eight weeks. If the material provided to you is to be included in a publication, we request a specimen copy for our reference library.
Contact: Beate Zielke M.A.