Epigraphy shows that Latin was the best method of communication between the authorities and the populace, and that is why it was the first stage in the Romanization of the conquered lands. The numerous epigraphic catalogues provide first-hand information about the main aspects of religion, administration, social and even economics. Writing allows perpetuation in stone, clay or metal, vows and dedications to deities, the memory of the deceased, personal tribute, milestones, one's own or a patron's name, anagrams, etc. Even a fragment of pottery at an opportune moment served to learn how to write, to convey messages of thanks or curses, to perpetuate a thought, and for accounting or betting.