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 on empire, language of epitaphs became more frank , open. emphasis laid upon life according dictates of christian faith, , prayers dead added inscription. prayers inscribed on sepulchral slabs reproduce in large measure primitive liturgy of funeral service. implore dead eternal peace , place of refreshment (refrigerium), invite heavenly love-feast (agape), , wish departed speedy enjoyment of light of paradise, , fellowship of god , saints.

a perfect example of kind of epitaph of egyptian monk schenute; taken verbally ancient greek liturgy. begins doxology, in name of father , of son , of holy ghost, amen , , continues:

may god of spirit , of flesh, has overcome death , trodden hades under foot, , has graciously bestowed life on world, permit soul of father schenute attain rest in bosom of abraham, isaac, , jacob, in place of light , of refreshment, affliction, pain, , grief no more. o gracious god, lover of men, forgive him errors has committed word, act, or thought. there indeed no earthly pilgrim has not sinned, thou alone, o god, art free every sin.

the epitaph repeats doxology @ close, , adds petition of scribe: o savior, give peace scribe. when secure position of church assured greater freedom of expression, non-religious part of sepulchral inscriptions enlarged. in western europe , in east not unusual note, both in catacombs , in cemeteries above ground, purchase or gift of grave , dimensions. traditional minatory formulae against desecration of grave or illegal use place of further burial came christian use.