CHAPTER XII.

INSCRIPTIONS.

Simplicity of inscriptions on early stelae, 195. Explicatory character of inscriptions, 196. Occurrence of χαῖρε, 197. Inscription of Dexileos, 197. Longer inscriptions after the fourth century, 197. Specimens of public epitaphs over warriors, 198; over others, 201. Specimens of later inscriptions, 203; sentiments as to life, 204; statements as to the future life, 204. Orphism in epitaphs, 206. Threats to violators, 207. Epitaphs of the _Palatine Anthology_, 208.