Accentuation Systems in Byzantine Greek Inscriptions and Graffiti in Cappadocia

Introduction. An analysis of fresco inscriptions from different regions of the Byzantine Empire has shown that their spelling may reflect dialectal features. At the same time, the accentuation systems used in them also characterize the author’s style and often vary, combining elements of the Alexandrian, Byzantine, and logical systems. Methods. Cappadocian inscriptions and graffiti were analyzed according to Jerphanion’s publication in comparison with photographs of Cappadocian frescoes from various Internet repositories. Material. The article presents the results of the analysis of the use of accentuation marks in 142 inscriptions on frescoes of the 10th – 12th centuries and in 19 graffiti. Results. The 142 inscriptions on the frescoes reflect a special tradition of using trema that existed in Cappadocia. In addition to the classic case of placing it at the beginning of a series of names, such as John, Jacob, etc., it is often placed in the initial position in place of a thick aspiration. Another variant of its use is to emphasize those cases when iota is written instead of η. In a number of monuments, almost all the inscriptions are accentuated in a system close to the Alexandrian, with marking of unstressed syllables and with a visual display using prosody signs of tone movement. In other inscriptions, the first element of the diphthong is marked with stress, which is characteristic not only of the Alexandrian system. Stresses on abbreviations are also found in the function of logical stress. The authors of 19 graffiti used accentuation signs, including for shortening words and indicating a line break. And the gravis in them often marked words within the framework of the logical accentuation system.