Historical Inks

Back to Antiquity with Ink – Write like Pliny & Co.!

Whoever says history is dry has never written with iron gall ink. In a world full of keyboards, historical writing becomes a time-traveling experience that makes knowledge tangible – for the classroom, the museum, or your next reenactment.

The historical ink from the Roman Shop turns every line into an echo of the past. The ancient Romans relied on formulas that remain legible even after centuries – perfect for authentic writing, creative projects, or vivid educational experiences.

  • Authentic formulas based on Roman or medieval models
  • Educationally valuable: for schools, museums, and project work
Antike Tinten für Ihre Kalligraphie und für die Schule | Der Römer Shop

Historical inks

The Romans wrote on papyrus or parchment with quill and ink. The quill, the so-called calamus, was usually cut from cane, canna, a perishable organic material. It is therefore not surprising that only a few specimens have survived, for example in a cremation grave in Intercisa. The ancient writing implements weathered too easily and it was too easy to procure new ones.

But there were also bronze nibs that imitated the shape of the reed pen. However, only a few specimens have survived. Clearly, reed nibs were cheaper, but above all they were more resistant. Moreover, reed nibs can be quickly re-sharpened with a sharp knife.

Finds safeguard historical ink

But now to the ink: The so-called atramentum was taken from special ink pots (atramentaria) made of metal, clay or even glass. There were also examples of Roman inkpots made of bronze or sheet metal. Most of them were cylindrical with a small, resealable hole in the lid through which the ink was extracted with the pen. A few years ago, so much ink was secured in inkstand finds that chemical investigations made it possible to reconstruct their composition.

According to this, ancient historical inks of the Romans consisted of a mixture of soot and gum arabic. Go on a voyage of discovery of ancient ink material on the pages of the Roman Shop! We have all the ingredients and the instructions to make the ancient writing serum yourself. You can also discover and purchase Roman writing pens on the pages of the Roman Shop.

Ancient writing sets

If you reconstruct a complete writing set on the basis of ancient finds, you will need a nib shaft and inkwell, a small knife for sharpening the nib, an ink stone and the appropriate rubbing stone for preparing the ink. All these items are kept in a leather case (theca calamaria) or a small wooden box. The depictions of portable writing utensil cases show that writing utensils were not only kept at home but also carried with them.

Write like the Romans: discover the world of beautiful antique pens and historical inkwells...

Quellen:

Galläpfel - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Andricus_kollari_oak_marble_gall,_knikkergal.jpg


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Over 55.900 customers worldwide since 2001

Museums, schools and historical enthusiasts throughout Europe trust the products from Roman Shop.

Customer testimonials

 Eine Bewertung von Scriptorium
Scriptorium Germany

The everyday equipment with glasses and ceramics is also really well made and has survived the hard life of a soldier well. In general, the range of products is truly sensational and offers unique products from the Roman era for many age groups and requirements, from hardcore legionnaires to little Roman fans of primary school age.

 Eine Bewertung von Archäologischer Park Carnuntum
Archäologischer Park Carnuntum Austria

Young Roman friends can immerse themselves in the Roman past with numerous activities. Products from the Römer Shop are regularly and successfully used at this great event. Year after year, children of all ages can write on wax tablets and get to know real papyrus.

 Eine Bewertung von Mathias S.
Mathias S. Deutschland

Hallo, ich wollte nur kurz ein feedback zur Lieferung geben; Also der „Asklepios“ ist wirklich großartig. Authentische Replik, unschlagbarer Preis. Vielen Dank dafür. Verpackung war auch vorbildlich.
Viele Grüße Matthias Semmler

 Eine Bewertung von Gemeinschaftsschule M. F.
Gemeinschaftsschule M. F. Mölln

Hello and thank you very much for the great products!

Our students were thrilled with the papyrus coloring pictures and the scarabs. As promised, I am sending you photos of the work with the coloring pictures. I wrote a review for the "scarab" coloring picture, but it can also be added to all the other pictures, since we had different motifs.

 Eine Bewertung von Centurio Markus N.
Centurio Markus N. Germany

The lovingly and authentically designed products from the Römer-Shop have been accompanying me for years and even decades in the field of ancient representation. As a centurion in a Roman military unit until a few years ago, the stationery, from wax tablets to papyrus scrolls, was extremely helpful for high-quality appearances and presentations at museum festivals, in reenactment and in museum education work.

 Eine Bewertung von Dominikaner Museum
Dominikaner Museum Rottweil -Germany
Satisfied customers

The Dominikanermuseum Rottweil presents in its department "Roman Rottweil - Arae Flaviae" the life in the only Roman city in Baden-Wuerttemberg. We have been a customer of Römershop for a long time for our own museum shop and are convinced of the high and, above all, consistently high quality of the products. The entire team is always looking forward to new products and our shop is an attraction for our visitors thanks to good replicas.

 Eine Bewertung von Remo S.
Remo S. Schweiz

Salve Manuela, Im Anhang findest du den Lar und was ich aus ihm gemacht habe. Ich bin sehr zufrieden mit der Figur.
Cvra, vt valeas Remo

 Eine Bewertung von Dr. Reinhard S.
Dr. Reinhard S. Deutschland

Sehr geehrtes Römer-Shop Team, wie immer:
--schnelle und prompte Lieferung
--qualitativ hochwertige Ware
--volle Identität mit der Abbildung der Produkte
--sehr gutes Preis-Leistungsverhältnis
--umfassendes Angebot Vielen Dank. Weiter so. Salvete Reinhard

 Eine Bewertung von Torsten B.
Torsten B. Deutschland

SALVE , Manuela und Andreas mit Team,
ich möchte meine Bewertung in Reimform darbringen:
Die Trinkgefäße und der Wein, sollten ein Geschenk für meine Eltern sein. Was soll ich sagen-Ihr lieben Leut, es hat beide sehr erfreut!
Sonnige Grüße Torsten

 Eine Bewertung von Papa Ralf & Sohn
Papa Ralf & Sohn Germany

The card is easy to work with and the cardboard is sturdy enough for such projects. Perhaps small cast figures and horses on a plastic base would be a useful addition to the shop, rather than the cardboard pictures. My 12-year-old son had fun making something like that

 Eine Bewertung von Centurio Zoltan
Centurio Zoltan Hungary

Dear Manuela and Andreas!

Thank you very much for everything and your help. The package arrived here safe and sound and complete. I am very, very satisfied with every product and I really like every item. Since I am constantly expanding my Roman collection, I would like to buy from you in the future if possible Thank you again for everything and see you next time.
Kind regards from Hungary: Zoltan

 Eine Bewertung von Norbert H.
Norbert H. Germany

Here is one of the results of your mosaic stones. The Beyenburg coat of arms, 70 x 70 cm.
Regards
Norbert

Ink that writes history

Ancient replicas and crafting fun in school | Der Römer Shop

Like from the Roman writing box

When Pliny the Elder wrote his natural history works, he likely used iron gall ink. This dark, durable ink was the writing medium of choice in the Roman Empire – a true bestseller of antiquity.

Iron gall ink dried deep black, was document-proof, and accompanied trade, law, and science for centuries.

Today, writing with historical ink becomes a very special experience. Whether in the classroom, during educational museum activities, or at reenactments – those who write with authentically produced ink do more than just put words on paper: they experience cultural history up close.

The typical scent of the ink, the soft scratching of the quill or reed pen, and the dark flow of handwriting create a calming, almost meditative moment.

And at the same time, they promote fine motor skills, concentration, and appreciation for handwritten knowledge. The historical inks from Der Römer Shop are based on proven recipes from antiquity and the Middle Ages – and they still work today, just as they did back then.

Writing like the Romans – made easy with ink that leaves an impression

Those who write, stay – and with ancient ink, it’s twice as exciting. The historical inks in this category allow you not only to teach history but to experience it. Whether in schools, museums, or at home – these inks bring the spirit of past millennia to paper.

Perfect for educators, DIY enthusiasts, and reenactors who value authenticity and impact. These handcrafted blends are based on historical formulas and provide an exceptionally authentic writing experience – for those seeking something special.

  • Perfect for school projects, museum education & living history
  • Authentic formulas from antiquity and the Middle Ages
  • Promotes focus, fine motor skills & interest in history
  • Long-lasting color intensity & genuine writing feel
Antike Tinten im Schreibgebrauch | Der Römer Shop
Antike Tinte in Einsatz in der Schule | Der Römer Shop

Ink meets didactics – history you can touch

An inkwell on the teacher’s desk – and suddenly, history comes alive. With historical inks, you can create project lessons that engage all the senses. The scratching of the quill, the deep color on papyrus or parchment: theory becomes a vivid experience – with no digital aids required.

Whether in history class, during interdisciplinary project days or at the museum

Writing with ancient ink is not only creative but educational. Students experience the importance of writing and working with sources in a tangible way – and rediscover their own handwriting along the way. Easy to implement, ready to use – and leaves a lasting impression. These inks turn any classroom into an ancient scriptorium.

Making knowledge visible has never been so vivid.

Your advantages

Forum Traiani trademark
Forum Traiani trademark

Our registered own brand that stands for local and social production

20 years of experience
20 years of experience

Large archäological network and collaboration with schools and museums.

Buying on account
Buying on account

For schools, authorities and private customers (Paypal service)

Sustainable packaging
Sustainable packaging

We recycle our suppliers' cardboard packaging and give every cardboard box a second life.

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From Glauberg to Hollywood...

Our boundless passion for antiquity

We believe that history is not only to be found in books or museums, but that it is should be brought to life and experienced across all borders.

By offering Roman replicas and other antique products, we want to bring this bring this fascinating time to life and give people around the world the opportunity to put themselves themselves into it.

Our products help to ensure that history is not just a collection of facts but becomes an eventful and unforgettable adventure.

Produced, assembled, picked, packed and on its way. This is how our products from Glauberg on their journey to your home. Into the classrooms of your children, the shelves of museum stores to the big movie sets in Hollywood...!

With the Römer Shop you can...
Touch, see, smell and experience history.


About us and how it all began
Insta Romanum
Insta Romanum

Experience history visually –
Veni, vidi, click! I came, I saw, I followed.

Roman encyclopaedia
Roman encyclopaedia

Background information, tips and facts about ancient Rome. Ancient knowledge simply explained!

An empire worth exploring
An empire worth exploring

History, craft ideas and Roman knowledge in HD instead of wax tablets. Get the popcorn ready and put on your tunics!

Forum Romanum 2.0
Forum Romanum 2.0

Like, post, follow – just like the Romans in the Senate! Here, history isn't just told – it's shared.