writing-tablet
- Museum number
- 1953,1002.1
- Description
-
Wooden writing tablet, part broken off. On the outside is inscribed in cursive characters LONDINIO. On the inside the writing, also in cursive characters, is still legible where it has been impressed through the original wax.
- Production date
- 1stC-2ndC
- Dimensions
-
Length: 146 millimetres
- $Inscriptions
-
- Curator's comments
- A business letter from early Roman London
This is part of a writing-tablet made of fir wood. On the inner face the writer has pressed so hard with the stylus that as well as marking the waxed surface (now gone), the text was impressed into the wood, where it has been preserved.
The letter, which appears to concern an inventory and financial matters, has been translated:
'Rufus, son of Callisunus, greetings to Epillicus and all his fellows. I believe you know that I am very well. If you have made the list, please send it. See that you do everything carefully so as to extract the last coin from that girl...'.
- Location
- On display (G49/dc2)
- Department
- Britain, Europe and Prehistory
- Registration number
- 1953,1002.1
