Styli

A stylus is a needle-like implement for writing, often used on wax tablets. The sharp end was used to write with, the blunt to rub out mistakes. These iron examples were found at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire.

Iron stylus from Newstead

Iron styli are simpler in form than bronze ones. They had to be forged individually, making ornamentation much more difficult and time-consuming. Some iron styli from Newstead probably contained a separately fitted point, perhaps of agate.

Record details

To search on related items, click any linked text below.