Scelte grafiche e uso dei simboli nelle sottoscrizioni finali dei contratti dall'Egitto tardoantico (Provincia di Tebaide, secoli V-VII)

This article aims to investigate graphic features and the use of symbols in final subscriptions (completiones) in contracts written in the province of Thebaid from the end of the 5th to the half of the 7th century. Handwriting and symbols are analysed through the lens of three factors: the professional profile of the drafter of the contract; his possible personal preferences and taste, also involving other sections of the document; local uses and conventions shared by the reference community. Consequently, the study highlights: general and local evolution of completiones over time; some similarities on a provincial level, but also in specific places, or even in a restricted group of professional scribes working in the same location and sharing the same graphic education; differences between professional and occasional scribes.