stèles

A stèle is a stone slab, usually rectangular or square, often inscribed or carved with text or images. They served a variety of purposes in ancient societies, including marking graves, commemorating important events, recording laws, or dedicating religious offerings. Stelae were erected in public places, temples, and burial grounds.

The practice of creating stelae dates back to antiquity, with notable examples found in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome. Egyptian stelae often featured hieroglyphic inscriptions detailing the life and achievements of the deceased, along with depictions of deities and funerary scenes. In Mesopotamia, the Code of Hammurabi was famously inscribed on a large basalt stela, presenting a comprehensive set of laws.

Greek stelae, particularly those from the Archaic and Classical periods, frequently served as grave markers. These often bore sculpted reliefs of the deceased, sometimes engaged in everyday activities or accompanied by family members. Roman stelae also functioned as grave markers and could include portraits and epitaphs.

The inscriptions on stelae provide invaluable historical and linguistic information, offering insights into the beliefs, social structures, and political events of the cultures that produced them. The artistry of the carvings and reliefs also reveals the aesthetic conventions and artistic skills of these ancient civilizations. Today, many stelae are preserved in museums, serving as important artifacts for understanding the past.