Paleography /(pā`lē̇*ŏg"rȧ*fy̆)/

Pa·le·og·ra·phy

Paleography

n.
  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.