In Greek inscriptions, how were letter sizes adjusted to appear uniform?

In Greek inscriptions, how were letter sizes adjusted to appear uniform?

• A. Same size throughout
• B. Larger at the bottom and smaller at the top
• C. Smaller at the bottom and larger at the top
• D. Alternating sizes

Answer: (C)

When people read inscriptions carved high on monuments, they typically view them from below. The lower part of the inscription is closer to the eye, so those letters would naturally seem larger. To counter this visual distortion and make the line read as a uniform height, the carvers deliberately reduced the letter size at the bottom and increased the size toward the top. This optical correction keeps the overall appearance balanced from the usual viewing angle.

When people read inscriptions carved high on monuments, they typically view them from below. The lower part of the inscription is closer to the eye, so those letters would naturally seem larger. To counter this visual distortion and make the line read as a uniform height, the carvers deliberately reduced the letter size at the bottom and increased the size toward the top. This optical correction keeps the overall appearance balanced from the usual viewing angle.