Soot Ink

Whether Paulus writes his letters himself or dictates them remains open. What is certain: writing in the Roman Empire is elaborate handwork. One writes slowly, with a stylus, quill, or reed, letter by letter. Ink is made from soot by hand. Dried into handy pieces, it is even suitable for travel.

Styli made of bronze, bone, or horn are used for writing on wax tablets. These serve for notes, drafts, and everyday correspondence. For longer texts, papyrus, ink, and the *calamus*—a reed pen—are used.

Together, these objects illustrate the technical and material conditions under which Paul’s letters were produced, transmitted, and circulated.