Ancient Roman Writing Materials

• Liber is the Latin word for 'book,' originally referring to a papyrus roll
• Papyrus scrolls were constructed from papyrus reed
• Papyrus primarily grew on the banks of the Nile
• Papyrus scrolls were smoothed down with pumice to prevent ink from blotting
• Cylindrical wooden rollers were attached to each end of a papyrus scroll
• Roman pens were typically made from either a pointed reed or a sharpened goose quill
• Roman ink was usually made from a diluted black substance of soot and glue
• The approximate length of a papyrus scroll was 35 letters wide
• The word 'volume' originates from the Latin verb volvere, meaning 'to roll' or 'to turn'
• Papyrus scrolls were stored on shelves or in cylindrical boxes
• Romans could erase a papyrus scroll with a damp sponge
• 'Wax tablets' consisted of wooden-framed rectangles with waxen inner sections
• Romans wrote on and erased wax tablets using the round or flat end of a stylus
• There was no distinct difference between Roman publishers and booksellers because texts were dedicated to scribes for mass production
• Ancient libraries were owned by rich Romans and enthusiastic collectors of rare books, containing papyrus rolls

Additional Important Latin Terms

• Emendare: To correct errors
• Distinguere: To separate words and use punctuation
• Volumen: From volo, meaning "I roll"

Explore the writing materials used in ancient Rome, including papyrus scrolls made from papyrus reeds found on the banks of the Nile. Discover how Romans wrote on papyrus using pens made from reeds or goose quills and a diluted ink substance. Learn about wax tablets and styluses.