Sepulchral inscriptions Early Christian inscriptions
christian inscription on deacon s tombstone present-day austria, dated year 533 use of consular notation the earliest of these epitaphs characterized brevity, name of dead being given. later short acclamation added, such in god or in peace. end of 2nd century, formulae enlarged addition of family names , date of burial. in third , fourth centuries, text of epitaphs expanded age of deceased, year (reckoned according consuls in office), , laudatory epithets. these particulars each of regions comprising roman empire had own distinct expressions, contractions, , acclamations. large use made of symbolism. open cross found in epitaphs of catacombs 2nd century, , 3rd 6th century monogrammatic cross in various forms appears regular part of epitaphs. cryptic emblems of primitive christianity used in epitaphs: fish (christ), anchor (hope), palm (victory), , representation of soul in other world female figure arms extended in prayer (orans). beginning 4th century, after church gained hegemony...