Glyptology

/ɡlɪpˈtɒlədʒi/ noun

Definition

The scientific study of carved or engraved stones, gems, and inscriptions, especially ancient ones.

Etymology

From Greek 'glyptos' (carved) and '-logia' (study of), combined in the 19th century to describe the scholarly examination of carved artifacts and relief sculpture.

Kelly Says

Glyptologists discovered how ancient civilizations told their stories through carved images before written language became common—some of the oldest records of human thought are literally carved in stone and studied through this discipline.

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