The lecture will give insights into current research on epigraphy, more specifically on the study of inscribed and painted texts visible in urban spaces. These texts include inter alia the famous building inscription on the Pantheon in Rome, inscriptions regarding election campaigns in Pompeii and inscribed objects for the worship of the gods that were displayed in sanctuaries and other places all over the empire. The lecture will deal with these and other contexts in which inscriptions played a role in such inscribed “city-scapes” and influenced people’s perception of Roman cities.