Page 77 - Manual of Roman Everyday Writing Volume 2: Writing Equipment

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sponge. The Anthologia Palatina (6.65.7–8) lists the sponge-eraser as one
of several writing implements dedicated by retiring writers.

Pumice: Propertius (3.1.8) wants his verses to be perfected with pumice.
Catullus (1.1–2) says that his new book is freshly polished with pumice and in
22.4–8 he mentions paper smoothed with a pumice as part of sophisticated
writing equipment; Ovid (Tr. 1.1.11–12) wants his book Tristia to be rough
around the edges and not smoothed with pumice. Martial (8.72.1–2) says
of an unfinished book that it was not polished with pumice yet.

b) Writing with a stylus

Spatula

Wax spatulas were used to scrape wax out of used writing tablets
(tabulae ceratae) but also to spread and flatten wax, to which end
they were probably heated. They are usually made of a roughly
triangular iron blade and an iron or copper-alloy handle. Their
dimensions can vary substantially within the range of 14–24 cm
in length and 3–10 cm in width (Gaitzsch 1984). Fig. 51: Typology of spatulae by Feugère 1995, 322. © Michel Feugère.

For a long time, the function of these spatulas was unclear and they
were, for example, referred to as medical instruments, razor blades
or carpenters’ or bricklayers’ tools. However, both finds associated Spatulas with simple handles are depicted on the Atimetus/Epaphra-
with other writing equipment, as well as ancient depictions confirm relief (fig. 1). The relief does not show double spatulas, with two
their function as wax spatulas. blades at opposite ends of the tool. Such tools have been interpreted
as wax-spatulas because they were found together with writing
A first description and catalogue was published in 1984 by W. equipment in some instances, but they may have been used for
Gaitzsch. Feugère (1995) identified three types: triangular spatulas, different purposes as well, for example as modelling tools for potters
double spatulas and, more tentatively, spatulas with a narrow or plasterers (Fünfschilling 2012, 181–182). The association with
handle. Triangular spatulas are the most common type. Most had wax tablets and writing is less clear for the spatulas with a narrow
a simple square knob at the end of the handle which could be used handle which usually have a socketed end. Both double-spatulas
to flatten the wax along the edges and in the corners. Of spatulas and those with narrow handles are part of the assemblage found
with an iron blade and copper-alloy handles the handles are often on the Titelberg (Luxemburg) which also contains styli.
the only part that survives. Some have very elaborately sculpted
handles often featuring a bust of Minerva.