Piece of stone with carved letters

This piece of felstone incised with letters was found at the site of the native hillfort of Traprain Law in East Lothian. It dates from the time of the Roman presence in Scotland, between 80 and 400 AD.

The stone has the first four letters of the alphabet ('ABCD') carved in it.

Writing was brought to Scotland by the Romans. Although many Roman soldiers could read and write to some extent, the native people did not adopt literacy, relying on oral tradition. Some natives, however, perhaps at least learned the letters.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-100-039-595-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland X.GV 968
Date:	80 - 400 Between 80 and 400 AD
Material:	Felstone; incised letters
Dimensions:	1.41" x 0.94" x 0.31"
What:	Stone
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, East Lothian, Traprain Law
Event:
Description:	Inscribed alphabet stone from Traprain Law, 80 - 400
References:
Translations:
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