What is the primary purpose of inscriptions found in ancient ruins?

The primary purpose of inscriptions found in ancient ruins is to record history. Inscriptions serve as valuable historical documents that provide insights into the culture, events, and people of the time when they were created. They can include everything from legal decrees, political events, commemorative texts, to personal messages. By studying inscriptions, historians and archaeologists can piece together knowledge about societal structures, daily life, and significant occurrences in ancient communities.

While decorations, indications of ownership, and religious motifs can also be present in inscriptions, their main function leans heavily towards documentation of past events and narratives. This historical recording is crucial for understanding the progression of civilizations, contributing to our knowledge of ancient societies and their dynamics.