Double Wax Tablet (Diptychon) with Stylus
Wax tablets - including double ones, known as diptychon - along with the matching writing tool, the stylus, were considered standard business equipment in ancient times! In antiquity, the wax tablet established itself as the optimal writing surface for simple notes or school exercises. The rich history of the Roman Empire might have vanished into obscurity if wax tablets had not survived to testify to their culture. The use of wax tablets dates back to the 5th century BC.
Wax Tablets - A Success Story
Even today, using a wax tablet with a stylus offers a true writing experience! Therefore, they are experiencing a renaissance among those with a sense for uniqueness. Enthusiasts of ancient cultures especially enjoy using the extraordinary duo of wax tablet and stylus even today. It not only feels great to use but also looks decorative!
- Two tablet sides, each 14x9cm bound
- Includes stylus
- Comes with a natural cotton bag
- Roman ABC writing template
- Eraser included!
Ancient wax tablets have a clear advantage: nothing on the wax-based writing sheet is permanent! This Roman wax tablet (lat. diptychon, tabula ceratae) is coated with beeswax and made from the finest beechwood. Wax tablets were used until the Middle Ages and were written on with a stylus (lat. stilus) by etching letters into the wax layer.
Wax Tablet Tabula Ceratae
Are the Roman wax-tablet books found in large numbers. The commonly used diptychon was connected with leather bindings and compiled into a wax tablet book. The writable surfaces are filled with red beeswax and are protected by folding the wax tablet.
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Historical writing board for schools
- Versatile for use in history and Latin classes
- Fascinating learning experience for students
- Made after historical findings from solid wood
- Unique writing and learning experience
Tabula Rasa - Also Double!
In Roman times, wax tablets were used as writing material for official correspondence as well as for private use. They were used for records that didn't need to be permanent, such as bills, letters, or notes. The texts on the wax tablet could be revised at any time or smoothed out with the back of the stylus. Roman education would have been unthinkable without the wax tablet.
The term tabula rasa originates from smoothing the wax layer with the back of the stylus, meaning nothing other than clean the board - in the sense of: start over.
Dive into the Ancient Writing World at the Roman Shop
The diptychon, a Roman double wax tablet, was considered a practical notebook by the Greeks and Romans. And it can, of course, still be used in this way today! In our online shop, you will find such wax tablets made exclusively from high-quality, natural, and authentic materials.
This includes robust beechwood and natural beeswax, with which the writing surface is prepared. Various colors and designs of wax tablets are available in the Roman shop - according to purpose and preference. You will also find additional necessary materials in the Roman shop to fully immerse yourself in the ancient world of writing tools, including a guide to making your own wax tablet!
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FAQ's - More Questions!
What is a wax tablet and what was it used for?
Wax tablets were used in ancient times as reusable writing surfaces. They were ideal for notes, bills, and school lessons, as written letters could be easily erased by smoothing the surface.
How does writing and erasing work on a wax tablet?
Writing involves etching characters into the waxed surface with a stylus. The wax layer can be smoothed with the back of the stylus, erasing the text to create space for new notes.
Why are wax tablets still of interest today?
Today, wax tablets appeal mainly to lovers of ancient cultures and the education sector. They offer an authentic writing experience and are an excellent addition to history or Latin classes.
What materials make up a typical wax tablet?
A classic wax tablet is made from the finest, robust beechwood and is coated with beeswax. These materials provide a faithful reproduction and high quality for historical use.
