Paleography
Paleography (pā`le*og"rȧ*fy) , noun
[Paleo- + -graphy: compare French paléographie.]
1.
An ancient manner of writing; ancient writings, collectively; as, Punic paleography.
2.
The study of ancient inscriptions and modes of writing; the art or science of deciphering ancient writings, and determining their origin, period, etc., from external characters; diplomatics.