Did they use chairs and tables to write in 1st century Rome?

Question

Please site sources if possible, as this is for a research project.

Answer 1

Great question, here are some points and sources.

Wax Tablets of the Mind: cognitive studies of memory and literacy in classical antiquity By Jocelyn Penny Small 1997

The answer is a simple: not often were tables and chairs used in writing.

Most used a stool or such and held a "tablet" wooden board that allowed one to write in wax or other wise.

Suspect slaves used a table while copying such onto a roll
for a manuscript but more often in was done on a floor.

http://www.vroma.org/images/mcmanus_images/index9.html

http://www.vroma.org/images/mcmanus_images/man_writing.jpg (3rd century) This one is priceless.


http://www.furniturestyles.net/ancient/roman/lectus.html

http://www.furniturestyles.net/ancient/roman/lectus.html

Answer 2

Well considering that the Egyptians predated the Romans by about 3500 years, and also used tables and chairs, I'd definitely say that the Romans, who had already annexed Egypt and took it's many treasures, did so too. Rome also emulated Egyptian architecture, elaborated on water systems from Egypt, Persia and Greece, I'd say that the table and chair didn't come too long after writing itself.

Answer 3

Most people were illiterate, so very few people wrote and many of those that "wrote" books dictated them to scribes who wrote down what they said. Depending on the relative status of the scribe and the author, scribe might sit or stand at a podium or sit on the floor. Monks doing transcription are shown in paintings standing at desks much like clerks doing bookkeeping 200 years ago.