At least 15 wooden writing tablets were found in an ancient well in Izernore, eastern France. Tablets and other rare organic remains are beautifully preserved due to the environment’s water, the well’s water content, and the well’s low light and oxygen levels.

Wood writing tablet found in Roman wells - History Blog Double toothed comb blanks The French National Institute of Prevention and Archaeology (INRAP) unearthed four Roman wells in 2020. Archaeologists have discovered wood objects at all stages of production, including remote, blank and finished objects that shaved and turn, such as combs, pyxes (small boxes) and spindle helices. The blank and external testified the local thriving handicrafts, with special emphasis on boxwood products. Ashes, hazels and maple were also found. The region is famous for its exquisite handmade wooden combs until the 18th century, when the blanks of double-toothed combs proved that they were locally produced for nearly 200,000 years.

Wood writing tablet found in Roman wells - History Blog Writing tablet leaf Writing tablets may also be made locally. It is believed that there are many small pieces that are making debris, a tablet that looks like a draft or template. Most tablets are single “leaf”. Others were hollowed out, with two opposite leaves on each side of the spine to get the assembly into the code. A word with a name engraved. Another example is six lines written in ink. Archaeologists think it is a reusable tablet because it was completely hollowed out. These hollows are usually filled with wax to scratch with a stylus. The ink horizontal board has no hollow.

Wood writing tablet found in Roman wells - History Blog shoes Two complete soles made of maple wood were also excavated. This shoe has two risers, one on the heel and the other on the foot, so that the wearer’s foot is above the ground. The larger sole has small nails around the edges, and leather or belt covers the front of the foot. The smaller sole wears belt perforations between the toes, such as thong flips, plus attachment points on the feet for another belt. Both shoes are small and are designed to be used for the feet of children aged 6-7 and 4-5 years old.

These objects recovered from the wells were studied and analyzed by Inrap Wood experts. They are now exhibiting an exhibition specifically for well excavation at the Izerno Archaeological Museum.

Decorative boxwood decals. Photo © Flore Giraud, Inrap. Boxwood polishing agent. Photo © Flore Giraud, Inrap. Fragments of wood cut with graffiti. Photo © Flore Giraud, Inrap.