In simple terms, inscriptions are nothing but, “Writings engraved on hard surfaces like stones, rocks, metals, etc.” In earlier times, people used to record important information like, records of trade, rules to be followed, the reign of a ruler, etc. as inscriptions.
Explanation:
As opposed to writings on either parchment or papyrus, “inscriptions” refers to ancient* markings (e.g., glyphs and symbols) that form words or decipherable messages carved into stone, wood or soft metals (e.g., copper). Steles. for example. are tall, flat carvings in soft stone.
Most inscriptions are permanent monuments to kings, royal edicts, military conquests or other people/events worth marking and remembering. These were usually used either to celebrate or to warn enemies against attacks. One notable example is the famed Rosetta Stone, a decree stele with the same inscription in three different languages - Egyptian hieroglyphics, demotic (cursive-like) Egyptian and Greek - which enabled experts to decipher ancient Egyptian languages.
Other common inscriptions (in ancient times, at least) are words and/or symbols etched into “ostraca” - shards of broken clay pots (which were plentiful) used as quick memos/reminders or as records of transactions much like we might use bills, invoices, receipts, etc.
Since writing is, of course, the preferable and most portable and replicable form of records, inscriptions are most often representative of cultures and times before writing or where neither papyrus nor parchment was plentiful, affordable or available at all. The same would go for the materials needed to make permanent inks or similar markings.
Khmer inscriptions are a corpus of post-5th century historical texts engraved on materials such as stone and metal ware found in a wide range of mainland Southeast Asia and relating to the Khmer civilization. The study of Khmer inscriptions is known as Khmer epigraphy.
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Answer:
In simple terms, inscriptions are nothing but, “Writings engraved on hard surfaces like stones, rocks, metals, etc.” In earlier times, people used to record important information like, records of trade, rules to be followed, the reign of a ruler, etc. as inscriptions.
Explanation:
As opposed to writings on either parchment or papyrus, “inscriptions” refers to ancient* markings (e.g., glyphs and symbols) that form words or decipherable messages carved into stone, wood or soft metals (e.g., copper). Steles. for example. are tall, flat carvings in soft stone.
Most inscriptions are permanent monuments to kings, royal edicts, military conquests or other people/events worth marking and remembering. These were usually used either to celebrate or to warn enemies against attacks. One notable example is the famed Rosetta Stone, a decree stele with the same inscription in three different languages - Egyptian hieroglyphics, demotic (cursive-like) Egyptian and Greek - which enabled experts to decipher ancient Egyptian languages.
Other common inscriptions (in ancient times, at least) are words and/or symbols etched into “ostraca” - shards of broken clay pots (which were plentiful) used as quick memos/reminders or as records of transactions much like we might use bills, invoices, receipts, etc.
Since writing is, of course, the preferable and most portable and replicable form of records, inscriptions are most often representative of cultures and times before writing or where neither papyrus nor parchment was plentiful, affordable or available at all. The same would go for the materials needed to make permanent inks or similar markings.
Khmer inscriptions are a corpus of post-5th century historical texts engraved on materials such as stone and metal ware found in a wide range of mainland Southeast Asia and relating to the Khmer civilization. The study of Khmer inscriptions is known as Khmer epigraphy.