Writing set "Augustus" of the first emperor
Learning to write with a Roman writing set from the time of Emperor Augustus
Even 2000 years ago, pupils began reading and writing with the individual letters of the Roman ABC. For comparison with today's spelling, this Roman writing set includes a sheet of paper with the Roman ABC. Even putting together your own first name today using this sheet is a challenge.
- Double wax tablet 14x9cm
- Volume roll 60x20cm made of papyrus
- Wooden stylus
- Goose quill
- Coin replica Augustus
- Scroll with the Roman ABC
Who was Emperor Augustus?
Augustus was an adopted great-nephew and thus the main heir of Gaius Caesar, born in 63 B.C. After the death of Gaius Caesar, Augustus was declared the first Roman emperor for over 40 years, probably in writing with utensils such as those in this Roman writing set. His likeness is beautifully depicted on the accompanying coin replica.
However, the goose quill on this Roman writing set also allows conclusions to be drawn about the living conditions and lifestyles of the time. The meat and feathers of these animals were certainly completely utilized. The papyrus, which is known by name, is enclosed with the Roman writing set as a 60 cm x 20 cm long volume roll, mounted on a wooden stick, on which you will probably experience ""imperial"" sensations when trying to write.
However, those who did not have papyrus and goose quills at their disposal may have been in possession of a precious and rare double wax tablet, which is included in this Roman writing set measuring 14 cm x 9 cm. While such a tablet was made of beeswax, which was already known in the time of Emperor Augustus, this one is still made of pure beeswax today.
Iron was also a material used by Emperor Augustus
In order to be able to carve the words in the Roman ABC on the wax tablets, so-called styluses were used at that time. One of these was placed in a cotton bag with all the other utensils of the Roman writing set for better storage. Even this could have been used 2000 years ago.
Writing materials then and now
You could almost say that not much has changed, as the slate, stylus, paper and quill are still in use today.
All packed together in a cotton bag.
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