Archaeologists digging at the ancient Roman city of Conímbriga in Portugal have found a unique bronze inkwell containing traces of ink from the 1st century. This find has shed light on the surprising chemical sophistication of Roman ink, well ahead of its era.
The excavation occurred in early 2023, with the goal of reinforcing an old defensive wall. The inkwell is crafted in the unusual ‘Biebrich’ style, a form that was previously found in a Roman military encampment in Germany during the late 19th century. This style is distinguished by its dense bronze material, high in lead, and lathe-finished, often associated with Roman military and administrative functions.
Although the inkwell itself is an important discovery, the ink it contains is of even greater significance. Chemical testing indicated that the ink consisted of various components: ash from pine and fir trees, ‘bone black’ – a charcoal made from animal bones, and iron compounds sourced from oak galls. Oak galls, rich in acidic tannins, develop when gall-wasps deposit eggs in tree leaf buds.
Research conducted by University of Évora archaeologist César Oliveira underscores the unexpected presence of iron-gall ink components. This discovery contradicts earlier beliefs that iron-gall inks emerged in the 4th century, suggesting that the Romans were utilizing a mix of carbon-based and metal-based ink components as early as the 1st century. This revelation could potentially redefine the timeline of the invention of iron-gall inks by approximately 300 years.
The Conímbriga inkwell is likely connected to an individual involved in significant construction activities at the site, possibly an architect or overseer linked to either the building of the defensive wall or the dismantling of a previous amphitheater. Oliveira claims that the inkwell is directly associated with these major building projects.
This finding enhances ongoing discussions about the timeline and variety of ink technologies in the Roman epoch. Hella Eckardt, a researcher from the University of Reading who was not part of the study, points out that artifacts related to writing technology are fairly uncommon in certain Roman areas, including Conímbriga. She notes that this research not only bridges a knowledge gap but also provides essential insights into the creation of bronze inkwells and the makeup of Roman ink.