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This book in Italian is an essay about some latin inscriptions preserved in the lapidarium of the Samnium Museum (Museo del Sannio) in the town of Benevento (southern Italy). It is intended not only for readers interested in Roman political and social history and in latin inscriptions but also for those who would like to visit the lapidarium.
The book tells of the public and private life of Roman Benevento drawing on first-hand historical sources: some latin inscriptions dating from the 2nd century B.C. to the 4th century A.D. The text is thematically arranged and includes 25 colour photos showing the inscriptions analysed in it. The chapters are about the political institutions of Roman Benevento; public buildings and the munificence by the rich; religion and cults; the people of Roman Benevento and the messages written on their gravestones.
This essay is written in a plain style. Its language is straightforward and there is no epigraphic jargon. In the text readers will also find translations and paraphrases of the latin inscriptions used for describing the life in Roman Benevento. Difficult words and concepts are explained in some footnotes which are intended as a glossary. The latin original textes are grouped in a special appendix for those who know the language of ancient Rome and would like to enjoy the original version. A select bibliography gives more information about the history of Roman Benevento, the latin inscriptions of the town and latin epigraphy in general.
