Writing in Pompeii

In less than two days in the autumn of the year AD 79 Pompeii and Herculaneum were no more. The eruption of Vesuvius obliterated these vibrant Roman cities and at the same time preserved a slice of Roman life for posterity. The finest frescoes of the Roman world, exuberant mosaics, furniture, baby cradles, cosmetics, tools of trade, opulent objects for display, jewellery, wind chimes, baking moulds, jars and combs and everything in between have all survived the catastrophe. Alongside these objects the terrible and beautiful casts of suffering: people and animals contorted in agony, overwhelmed by the extreme heat, their final moment preserved in 3D anguish. 

People go, scripta manent. On a wall there is a graffito with a quote from Virgil, carved by a spurned lover. Outside a tavern there is a sign "Phoenix felix et tu" (Phoenix is lucky may you be too). A writing tablet from House of Lucius Caecilius Lucundus dating from AD 55 is also preserved. It records an auction for Marcus Lucretius raising 40,000 sesterces, enough to buy 8 slaves or pay 40 soldiers for a year.

writing tablet from the House of Lucius Caecilius Lucundus AD 55; British Museum: Life and Death in Pompeii and Herculaneum exhibition

From the house of Marcus Lucretius comes a fresco of writing materials: a waxed wooden tablet with writing made by stylus, an inkwell with a pen, and a sealed papyrus scroll addressed to the Priest of Mars and Decurior (city councillor) at Pompeii. 

fresco AD 55-79 Pompeii; British Museum: Life and Death in Pompeii and Herculaneum exhibition

oak galls for ink making; British Museum: Life and Death in Pompeii and Herculaneum exhibition

 If you're in London, the exhibition Life and Death in Pompeii and Herculaneum is worth a visit. 
check out Slice of Roman Life: Before and after the volcano in Pompeii and Herculaneum

The Vanishing Carbon Paper

Carbon paper by HM Stationery Office

A British firm is still manufacturing carbon paper. York Haven in the West Midlands are amazed themselves that they are still in business. May they live long and prosper.


BBC News went to meet production direction Mervyn Jones to find out how the company has remained in business. Watch the video....

INSIDE THE UK'S LAST CARBON PAPER FACTORY

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