1. Make a Scroll, Book, or a Wax Tablet

During the early Roman Empire the book as we know it today was invented. Before this invention words were written in scrolls. Books that had the pages bound along one edge were much easier to use than the scroll. This saved the reader hours when looking up information. Books were easier to carry than large scrolls. Even after the book was invented many Romans used the old scrolls or rolled books. Another popular way of writing was to use the wax tablet and the stylus. Many school children used the wax tablet for their assignments.

Directions for making Books?

Book

With a needle and thread sew several sheets to paper together on one end. You can attach the paper to a piece of leather with a strong glue at the sewn side of the paper.

Scroll

You will need two dowels that are approximately 14 inches long. Cut a piece of paper 13 inches by 36 inches long. Glue the dowels onto the paper on each of the 13 inch sides. Wait for the glue to dry before rolling up your scroll.

 

Wax Tablet

Melt some wax. You can use paraffin or old candles. Pour this onto a cookie sheet that has been greased with a little shortened. When the wax has cooled gently lift it from the cookie sheet. Use a sharpened stick to scratch letters onto the wax.

2. The Roman Meal

   Romans bought food from the open air markets. Every week farmers and fishermen went to the towns to sell fruit, vegetables, fish, and meat. In the wealthy homes slaves spent a large part of the day preparing food for their masters. Dinner parties were given by the wealthy. These parties started with salads, eggs and shellfish. Then guests were given wine which had been sweetened with honey. The main course could be up to seven dishes.The main course might include boiled and roasted meat. The meat was sliced by the slaves. The third course may consist of fruit, dates, and cakes sweetened with honey. Slaves served the guests and wiped the fingers of the guest between courses. All food was eaten with the fingers. Guest would lie on couches during the meal and a group of musicians would often entertain. The poor families may eat a meal of bread, raisins, and wine. Meat was seldom eaten.

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