Writing
Circa 50. Portrait of the baker Terentius Neo and his wife, Pompeii (House VII, 2, 6), Italy. The esteem in which written culture was held in Rome resulted in writing implements becoming symbols of status and intellectual refinement. In their portrait, this couple used them to indicate their rise the social ladder. A parallel example of this tradition is the famous «Sappho’s portrait». Wikimedia Commons, Public domain image

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Writing

III Ink Uses and Users

The primary and most prevalent association that arises when considering the use of ink is that of writing. Nevertheless, the pivotal role of ink in the evolution of this field of knowledge is not always fully recognised.

The transition from inscribed texts to writing with ink marked a fundamental milestone in the evolution of human thought and the development of literature and science. In ancient civilisations, inscribing on hard materials such as stone or clay limited the flexibility, range and speed of writing and thus its use as a means of communication. The shift to a written system of communication was key to the development of a more fluid and richer language, facilitating the reproduction of ideas and knowledge. The adoption of written systems of communication was fundamental to the development of literature and science, as it allowed for the permanent, but also more agile and elaborate, expression of thought. Ink also provided a medium conducive to intellectual reflection and debate, becoming the vehicle of knowledge over time, allowing cultural heritage to be preserved and expanded.