Wooden writing tablet

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This wooden writing tablet was found at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. The hollow formed by the rim would have been filled with wax, and inscribed with a stylus. The tablet dates from between 80 and 100 AD.

The tablet is broken off at one side.

Brought to Scotland by the Romans, writing was a vital part of the bureaucracy generated by the army.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-037-192-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 709
• Date: Between 80 and 180 AD
  
• Material: Wood, pine
  Writing tablet
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Writing tablet
  
• Subject:
• Who: Newstead Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  
• Event:
• Description: Wooden writing tablet from Newstead
  
• References:
  • Curle, James. A Roman frontier post and its people: the Fort of Newstead in the parish of Melrose. Glasgow: Maclehose & Sons, 1911
• Translations:
• Related Records: