Sicilia, Saxa, Scripturae: Stonecutting Study and Epigraphic Documentation of Inscriptions in Sicily
An ERC-funded Programme in the Epigraphy of Sicily, 14-20 September 2026
Open call for participants
Please, click here to get a pdf version of this call.
We invite doctoral candidates and postdocs researching Greek and Latin epigraphy to apply for participation in the practical field workshop “Sicilia, Saxa, Scripturae: Stonecutting Study and Epigraphic Documentation of Inscriptions in Sicily. An ERC-funded Programme in the Epigraphy of Sicily, 14–20 September 2026”.
Aim of the programme: This intensive programme in Greek and Latin epigraphy, funded by the ERC STONE-MASTERS project (Starting Grant 101040152, https://stonemasters.uw.edu.pl) gathers senior researchers, postdocs, and doctoral candidates interested in the materiality of inscriptions and the epigraphical production chains in the Graeco-Roman World.
Organising committee:
STONE-MASTERS team: Dr Paweł Nowakowski (University of Warsaw); Dr Lorena Pérez Yarza (University of Warsaw); Dr Marina Bastero Acha (University of Warsaw); Dr Timo Eichhorn (University of Warsaw); Dr Martyna Świerk (University of Warsaw); Julia Borczyńska (University of Warsaw).
Co-organisers: Dr Sofia Bianchi Mancini (University of Erfurt), Dr Valentina Mignosa (Ca’ Foscari University of Venice).
Basic description: This week-long workshop invites participants to explore the exceptionally rich epigraphic landscape of Sicily, from the Archaic period through Late Antiquity. The programme is designed to familiarise attendees with the methods and challenges of in situ epigraphic study, with particular emphasis on developing the skills required for systematic autopsy of inscriptions. Participants will learn to identify morphological and palaeographic features, distinguishing regional styles and carving workshops through the close examination of supports, decorative elements, ordinatio, and letterforms.
The workshop will combine practical training with comparative and thematic discussions with guest senior researchers, as well as an introductory session on digital imaging techniques, including photography and photogrammetry for epigraphic documentation. Activities will take place across a range of museums, open-air displays, and archaeological sites throughout the island – such as Catania, Syracuse, Selinous, and Palermo – where participants will engage directly with epigraphic material and its archaeological contexts. The programme will also include a digital component. Participants will contribute to the long-term outcomes of the workshop by preparing entries for the STONE-MASTERS' DAWE. Digital Atlas of Workshops and for the database AXON. A Selection of Greek Historical Inscriptions, to be completed within one year of the fieldwork.
Timeframe: 14-20 September 2026
Funding institution: the European Research Council Starting (ERC) grant STONE-MASTERS 101040152, https://stonemasters.uw.edu.pl
The STONE-MASTERS project seeks to understand the impact of workshops of stonecutters and mosaicists on the changes in epigraphic cultures during the transition period from the Roman Imperial to the Late Roman periods. The study has the potential of showcasing the artisans as the mainspring behind the vertical cultural transfer of commemorative habits within the elites and broader circles of society. In particular, it seeks to explain to which extent the artisans carving commemorative plaques, epitaphs, and laying-out mosaics on the one hand advised the elite on the contents of their commissioned works; and, on the other, adapted the elitist art to the needs and economical capabilities of the broader social strata, making the new trends more accessible and thus shaping the entire cultural package of the ancient Mediterranean.
The programme will fund:
- an economy in-bound and out-bound flight within an allowance of 400 EUR
- accommodation in Sicily (single rooms ensuite, including breakfasts, in Catania and Palermo)
- transportation costs in Sicily
- entry fees to archaeological sites and museums
Other expenses, including other meals or visa costs are not provided. Participants also need to secure their own travel insurance (e.g., European Health Insurance Card or an equivalent document).
How to apply:
We expect the candidates to send the following materials by email with the title “ERC-funded Programme in the Epigraphy of Sicily. Application”
Email address: stone.masters@uw.edu.pl
- a one-page CV emphasising your experience in Greek and/or Latin epigraphy (any period), knowledge of Greek or Latin, university education and affiliation
- a one-page cover letter explaining how you can engage with our programme’s activities, contribute to our agenda and further develop your own epigraphical skills within your current projects or research interests
a signed GDPR consent statement (“Information on personal data processing”, attached)
The submissions will be assessed by the organising committee. The committee will invite shortlisted candidates to short online meetings which will be organised via Zoom.
Eligibility criteria: young professionals (completed MA required), doctoral candidates, and early career researchers/postdocs are eligible to apply.
Deadline for submission of applications: 1 March 2026, 23:59 CET.
Date of short online meetings with shortlisted candidates: 23–27 March 2026 (individually scheduled with the selected candidates)
Announcement of accepted candidates: 30 March 2026.
We can accept up to nine participants from the open call.