Epigraphic evidence and votive plaques

2.4 - Epigraphic evidence and votive plaques

2.4.1 - Early mediaeval epigraphs in micaelic shrines

Rock inscriptions and gravestones near the sanctuary caves

Early medieval Micaelian sanctuaries, often located in natural caves, preserve numerous rock inscriptions and votive tablets. These epigraphic testimonies, engraved directly on the rock or on stone slabs, depict prayers, dedications and pilgrims' names, offering valuable information on popular devotion and the influx of worshippers from different regions.

The case of Monte Sant'Angelo (Gargano)

The Sanctuary of St Michael Archangel in Monte Sant'Angelo, on the Gargano, is one of the most important sites of Micaelic cult in the West. About 200 wall inscriptions, dating from the 7th to the 9th century, have been found inside the cave and in the adjacent areas. These epigraphs, engraved or scribed on the walls, document the presence of Lombard, Frankish and Anglo-Saxon pilgrims, attesting to the international dimension of the sanctuary. Some inscriptions show runic characters, evidence of the presence of worshippers from the Germanic area.

Latin and Greek epigraphy in places of worship

Inscriptions in Michaelic shrines are predominantly in Latin, but examples in Greek are not lacking, especially in the southern regions of Italy where Byzantine culture was still present. These epigraphs, often brief and votive in nature, reflect the linguistic and cultural variety of the pilgrims and devotees who frequented these holy places.

Sources and references

• Carletti, C. (2003). Wall inscriptions from the Gargano sanctuary. In Culte et pèlerinages à saint Michel en Occident: les trois monts dédiés à l'archange. École Française de Rome. Persee+1Persee+1

• Mastrelli, C.A. (1980). Le iscrizioni runiche del Santuario di S. Michele a Monte S. Angelo. In Il Santuario di S. Michele sul Gargano dal VI al X secolo.Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro+2Academia+2Persee+2

• Italia Langobardorum. The epigraphs of the Longobards.Wikipedia+2Italia Langobardorum+2

2.4.2 - Longobard and Carolingian Inscriptions

• Military devotion and inscriptions on weapons/votive offerings

In the Lombard context, devotion to St Michael the Archangel was also manifested through inscriptions on weapons and votive offerings. The figure of the Archangel, considered a protector in battle, was frequently invoked by warriors. In some Lombard burials, artefacts such as swords and buckles with inscriptions dedicated to St Michael have been found, evidence of the personal devotion of warriors. A significant example comes from a tomb discovered in Turin in 2002, containing weapons and objects with Christian symbols associated with the Archangel.

Tombstones in monasteries and rural churches

Longobard and Carolingian funerary inscriptions are often associated with monastic contexts and rural churches. These epigraphs, engraved on marble or stone slabs, commemorate abbots, monks and members of the aristocracy. A relevant example is the funerary inscription of Abbot Magnus from the abbey of Leno, dating from the late 9th to early 10th century. The tombstone, made of marble from Vezza d'Oglio, features high-quality epigraphic writing, with well-defined letters and an orderly arrangement of the text. Another significant inscription is that of Anselmus, also from Leno and dated 8 April 877, which shows a refined temporal expression and an arrangement of the text that recalls the layout of some contemporary monumental inscriptions.

Epigraphic traces in the Duchy of Benevento and Northern Italy

In the Duchy of Benevento, Longobard and Carolingian epigraphy has left numerous testimonies. The inscriptions of princes Sicone, Radelchi, Radelgario and princess Caretruda take up models from northern Italy, highlighting the cultural influence between the different regions. A notable example is the funerary inscription of Audoalt, reused in the 12th century as the architrave of the side door of the church of Marcello Maggiore in Capua.

In northern Italy, cities such as Pavia, Milan and Cividale del Friuli preserve significant epigraphs. In Pavia, the inscription of the abbess Cuniperga, daughter of King Cuniperto, represents an example of high-level female epigraphy. In Cividale del Friuli, the Tempietto Longobardo houses inscriptions and decorations that testify to the fusion of Longobard art and Carolingian influences.

Images

• Longobard weapons with votive inscriptions

Finds from Lombard burials, including swords and buckles with Christian symbols.

• Grave inscription of Abbot Magnus

Tombstone from Leno Abbey, dating from the late 9th to early 10th century.

• Lombard Temple of Cividale del Friuli

Interior of the Temple with decorations and inscriptions from the Lombard period.

Video

• Lombard Temple of Cividale del Friuli

Sources and references

• Wikipedia - Longobard epigraphyWikipedia

• Academia.edu - Archaeology of the Lombards. For a new edition of the finds from BeneventoAcademia

• ResearchGate - The Places of Funerary Memory: Reflections on the Forms and Contexts of Monastic Burial Epigraphs (Lombard and Carolingian Ages) ResearchGate+1Hrcak+1

• Wikipedia - Fragments of AbbeyWikipediaLeno

2.4.3 - Medieval and modern votive gravestones

• Public dedications and inscriptions of founders and pilgrims

Votive plaques dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel, widespread between the Middle Ages and the modern age, testify to the devotion of communities, founders and pilgrims. These inscriptions, often placed in churches, shrines or along pilgrimage routes, commemorate significant events, graces received or the foundation of sacred buildings.

An emblematic example is the votive column in Monte Sant'Angelo, erected in 1656 as thanks for protection from the plague epidemic. The inscription on the column reads:

"Principi Archangelorum depulsori pestilitatis patrono et tutelari aeternae gratitudinis monumentum."

This monument represents a tangible sign of popular faith and gratitude towards the Archangel.

Lapidary symbolism associated with St Michael (sword, scales, wings)

The iconographic representations of St Michael on votive tablets are rich in symbolism. Among the most common attributes are:

• Sword: symbol of the fight against evil and the defence of faith.

• Libra: represents divine justice and the judgement of souls.

• Wings: indicative of angelic nature and the function of a heavenly messenger.

These iconographic elements, carved or engraved on gravestones, served to visually communicate the Archangel's role as protector and spiritual guide.

Inscriptions in vernacular, Latin and Greek

The inscriptions on votive tablets dedicated to St Michael are written in different languages, reflecting the cultural and linguistic diversity of the devout communities.

• Latin: liturgical and official language of the Church, mainly used in medieval inscriptions.

• Greek: present mainly in the regions of southern Italy influenced by Byzantine culture.

• Vulgar: language of the people, adopted progressively in inscriptions from the late Middle Ages onwards, making messages more accessible to the faithful.

This linguistic diversity in the epigraphs testifies to the wide dissemination of the Micaelic cult and its ability to adapt to local contexts.

Images

• Medieval gravestones in an Irish cemetery

Example of gravestones with votive decorations and inscriptions.

• Statue of St Michael with sword and scales

Iconographic representation of the Archangel with his symbolic attributes.

• Fresco of St Michael with sword and scales

Painting depicting the Archangel at the moment of judgement.

Video

• Medieval gravestones in an Irish cemetery

• St Michael with sword and scales

Sources and references

• Wikipedia Museum of the Basilica of St Michael - ArchangelWikipedia

• EVUSWith sword and scales in handevus..itIT -

• Fondiantichi - Final verdict - http://www.fondiantichi.unimore.it/FA/giustizia/giudizio.html

2.4.4 - Epigraphic symbols and abbreviations

• Crosses, monograms and angelic initials

In medieval Christian epigraphy, the use of graphic symbols such as crosses, monograms and angelic initials was widespread and rich in meaning. Among the most common:

• Crosses: universal symbol of the Christian faith, often engraved on gravestones and monuments.

• Monograms: combinations of letters representing sacred names, such as Chi Rho (? ), formed from the Greek letters ? (chi) and ? (rho), initials of 'Christos' (Christ) .

• Angelic acronyms: abbreviations indicating the presence or protection of angels, such as 'S. MICHA.' for St. Michael the Archangel.

These symbols were not only decorative, but served to communicate spiritual and identity messages, often only understood by those who shared the same faith and culture.

Recurring abbreviations (e.g. S. MICHA., S.MICH., Archang.)

Abbreviations were common in medieval inscriptions, both to save space and to express reverence. Some of the most frequent ones relating to St Michael include:

• S. MICHA.: short for 'Sanctus Michael'.

• S.MICH.: shortened variant of the same name.

• Archang.: abbreviation of 'Archangelus', a title attributed to Michael as head of the angels.

These abbreviations were often accompanied by graphic symbols to reinforce the spiritual message.

Semiotic study and christograms

The analysis of epigraphic symbols requires a semiotic approach, which considers not only the literal, but also the cultural and spiritual meaning. Christograms, such as the Chi Rho (? ) and the IHS trigram, are examples of symbols that condense complex theological concepts into graphic forms.

The concept of 'graphicacy', introduced by Ildar Garipzanov, describes the ability to understand and use these visual symbols as a form of communication, parallel to alphabetic writing.

Video

• Christological monograms

Sources and references

• Internullo, D. (2020). 'Magis intellegi quam legi'. Christian graphic signs and symbols in the late antique and early medieval Mediterranean. Historically, 15-16. Historically .

• Wikipedia - CristogrammaWikipedia+1Wikipedia+1

• Wikipedia - IHSWikipedia

2.4.5 - Cataloguing and valorisation projects

Epigraphic databases (EAGLE, EDV, CIL)

• EAGLE (Europeana network of Ancient Greek and Latin Epigraphy): an international federation aggregating the main European epigraphic databases, offering access to over 1.5 million Greek and Latin inscriptions up to the 7th century AD.

• EDR (Epigraphic Database Rome): collects Latin inscriptions from Italy, excluding Christian inscriptions, with a focus on Rome and the Italian peninsula.

• EDV (Epigraphic Database Vernacular): focuses on vernacular inscriptions produced in Italy from the late Middle Ages to the modern age, documenting the linguistic and cultural variety of Italian epigraphy.

• CIL (Corpus Inscriptionum Latinarum): the most comprehensive collection of ancient Latin inscriptions, founded in 1853 by Theodor Mommsen and still updated by the Berlin Academy of Sciences.

Local digitisation and restoration projects

• Ca' Foscari University Venice: developed open access resources for the study of Greek epigraphy, integrating advanced digital technologies.

• EpiCUM Project: an initiative involving schools and cultural institutions for the digitisation and enhancement of the local epigraphic heritage, promoting collaboration between students and researchers.

Lapidary Museums and Church Collections

• Museo Lapidario Maffeiano (Verona): one of the oldest public museums in Europe, founded in 1745, with a vast collection of Greek, Etruscan, Paleovenetian, Roman and Arabic epigraphs.

• Museo Lapidario Estense (Modena): houses a rich collection of Roman, medieval and modern epigraphs, evidence of local history and epigraphic practices through the centuries.

• Lapidary Gallery of the Vatican Museums: it holds over 13,000 inscriptions, representing one of the most important epigraphic collections worldwide.