epitaphs

Epitaphs are short inscriptions placed on or near the tomb of the dead to commemorate the deceased. The term derives from the Greek epitaphion, "a placing upon a tomb," via Latin epitaphium, and refers to inscriptions intended to be read on the tombstone or monument.

Content commonly includes the name, dates of birth and death, and a brief tribute or statement of virtue, memory, or religious sentiment. The tone ranges from solemn to celebratory and may include quotes, epitaphic phrases, or lines of poetry. In English, common formulas include "Here lies" or "In loving memory of," while Latin epitaphs often bear letters such as D.O.M. (Deo Optimo Maximo).

Form and material: epitaphs are carved on stone, marble, or metal plaques and appear on headstones, sarcophagi, cenotaphs, and mausoleums. They may be plain or highly decorated, with symbols such as crosses, wreaths, or motifs indicating the deceased's profession or status.

Historical scope: epitaphs are among the oldest forms of inscribed commemoration, with a long tradition in Greek and Roman cultures and continuing through medieval and modern periods. They reflect linguistic, religious, and social practices of their communities.

Significance: as primary data for archaeology and history, epitaphs record names, lifespans, family relations, professions, and personal virtues, and they illuminate communal attitudes toward death and remembrance. In contemporary practice, epitaphs can be personalized or institutional, appearing on gravestones, memorial plaques, and online memorials.