"For the sweetest of sons." Reading a Roman Funerary Inscription

Would you like to read a real Latin inscription and connect directly with the world of ancient Rome?

In today’s lesson, I guide you through a Roman funerary inscription dating from the first or second century BC. It was dedicated by a grieving father to his son, who died at only eight years old.

Together, we will decipher the inscription step by step. I will explain its abbreviations, grammar, vocabulary, and everything else you need to understand the text for yourself.

Never read a Roman inscription before? Don’t worry—I selected this one specifically for beginners. You only need a basic knowledge of Latin, making this lesson an excellent first step into the fascinating world of Roman epigraphy.

And remember: by becoming a paid subscriber here on Substack, you also gain access to my complete Latin course for beginners. Learn the foundations of the language, then begin reading the words the Romans themselves left behind.