Wood writing tablets found in Roman wells

"A group of at least 15 wooden writing tablets has been discovered in ancient wells at Izernore, eastern France. The tablets and other rare organic remains were beautifully preserved thanks to the waterlogged environment and low light and oxygen levels of the wells. Four Roman-era wells were excavated in 2020 by the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP). Archaeologists found wood objects at all stages of production, including offcuts from shaving and turning,"

"The blanks and offcuts attest to a thriving local craft with particular emphasis on boxwood products. Ash, hazel and maple remains were also found. The region was known for its fine artisanal wooden combs well into the 18th century, so the blanks of the double-toothed combs prove they were locally manufactured for close to 2,000 years. The writing tablets may also have been locally manufactured."

"There are many small fragments believed to have been manufacturing scraps, and one tablet that looks like a draft or template. Most of the tablets were single leaves. Others were hollowed out to have two opposing leaves on each side of spine for assembly into a codex. One is engraved with a word that may be a name. Another example has six lines written in ink."

At least 15 wooden writing tablets were recovered from waterlogged Roman-era wells at Izernore, eastern France, along with other rare organic remains preserved by low light and oxygen. Four wells excavated in 2020 by the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP) yielded wood objects at all production stages, including shaving offcuts, blanks and finished items such as combs, pyxes and spindle whorls. Finds indicate a thriving local craft focused on boxwood, with ash, hazel and maple also present. Double-toothed comb blanks confirm nearly 2,000 years of local manufacture. Tablets include single leaves, hollowed duel-leaf forms, engraved words and an ink-inscribed reused tablet.

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