Introduction to Sphragistic Sources between Antiquity and the Middle Ages

MSCA SIGN-IT – Doctoral and Postdoctoral Sphragistic Workshop

Introduction to Sphragistic Sources between
Antiquity and the Middle Ages:
Sources, Methods, and Tools

Rome, 3–6 June 2026

Coordinator: Lucia Maria Orlandi (MSCA SIGN-IT, École française de Rome)

Organisation: École française de Rome, with the collaboration of the Vatican Museums – Decorative Arts Section, and the Vatican Apostolic Library – Numismatic Department

Presentation

The workshop aims to introduce doctoral students and early career researchers to the study of sphragistic sources, through the analysis of two categories of materials that are not commonly associated with each other, representing respectively matrices and impressions. On the one hand, the signacula—or so-called “bread-stamps”—stamps in metal, wood, or stone used to make direct impression on soft materials or with pigments; and on the other hand, lead seals, used to mark goods and documents.

The objective of this programme is to provide participants with an initiation into these types of sphragistic sources, their informational potential, the problems and methodology used in their study. These materials are approached from an interdisciplinary and long-term perspective, bridging Antiquity and the Middle Ages, archaeology and archival studies, materiality and representation, classification and interpretation techniques, and the use of digital tools of recording and analysis.

Practical Information

1. Eligibility: The workshop is open to doctoral and early-career researchers working in History, Archaeology, Classics and Art History, regardless of nationality. Previous training in Epigraphy and Sigillography is not required, but it is welcome. Working knowledge of Ancient Greek and Latin and is required; applicants must have a good command of English and Italian (the working languages of the workshop)
2. Venues: Rome, École française de Rome (Piazza Navona 62); Vatican City, Vatican Museums & Vatican Apostolic Library
3. Costs: Registration, lunches and accommodation are free of charge. Participants are responsible for their own travel and dinner expenses
4. Languages: English and Italian
5. Application Deadline: 15 January 2026, 12:00 noon (CET)

Requirements

Applications must include the following documents (in English):

1. A Curriculum Vitae;

2. A one-page summary of the doctoral dissertation or postdoctoral project;

3. A two-pages motivation letter outlining the candidate’s future projects and explaining their interest in the workshop.

Applications must be submitted as a single PDF file by 15 January 2026 at 12:00 noon (CET) at the following address: lucia.orlandi(at)efrome.it

The selection will be made by a joint committee composed by the members of the Medieval Section, École française de Rome and the invited speakers. Results of the selection process will be communicated by 28 February 2026.

More information about the MSCA SIGN-IT Project