Roman wax tablet

Product description

The cera (Latin for tabula cerata – “wax tablet”) was a small writing board made from a hard material such as boxwood, beechwood, or even bone. In the center of the board was a recessed area filled with a layer of dark wax.

Writing was done on this wax layer using a stylus – a pointed tool made of metal, wood, or bone (Greek: stŷlos, Latin: stilus). With this tool, marks were scratched into the wax. If needed, these marks could easily be erased or smoothed over, making the tablet reusable.

These wax tablets were used for everyday notes, accounting, reminders of tasks, debts, obligations, and as rough drafts of texts that were later copied onto papyrus or parchment. Sealed wax tablets were also used for official purposes, such as drafting wills, delivering secret orders, statements, receipts, and even reports. The oldest known archaeological example of a wax tablet dates from the 7th century BCE, found in Etruria (Italy). In Europe, wax tablets remained in common use until the mid-19th century, eventually falling out of favor as paper became cheaper.

Writing
Use the pointed end of the stylus to carve letters into the wax with light downward pressure.

Erasing
The flat side of the stylus is used to smooth the wax back out. Keep the stylus flat, place your index finger on the flattened side, and move it in a pulling (not pushing) motion across the wax. This allows the tablet to be reused repeatedly.