Medieval and Early Modern graffiti: multicultural and multimodal communication in Cyprus

Cypriot graffiti from the Medieval and Early Modern periods reveals a rich, multicultural intangible heritage, offering unprecedented insights into daily life practices such as magic, superstition, and religion. The analysis of these inscriptions demonstrates the diverse communication systems employed by their writers, reflecting the island's multicultural character. This study underscores the significance of graffiti as an 'invisible archive,' preserving aspects of everyday life that are often overlooked in historical records. By examining graffiti within the Painted Churches of the Troodos Region, researchers highlight its potential to contribute to the recovery of intangible cultural heritage and deepen our understanding of past societies.

Trentin, M. (2020). Medieval and Early Modern graffiti: multicultural and multimodal communication in Cyprus. Cahiers Du Centre d’Etudes Chypriotes, 50, 277–304. https://doi.org/10.4000/cchyp.516