Recto

The table of fractions is very basic. The title reads: 'One half in the table of numbers.' This is followed by a list, which begins as follows:
The half of 1, 1/2
of 2, 1
of 3, 1 & 1/2
etc.
There is also a simple multiplication table here:
2 x 5 = 10
5 x 2 = 10
2 x 6 = 12
6 x 2 = 12
etc.

For more information on Greek math, click here.

The literary statement on the verso supports our belief that obtaining a proficiency for reading and writing was the primary goal of early education. At the same time it provides evidence that the study of mathematics was also considered important. Interesting to note is the ruled area below the maxim. This portion of the tablet reminds us of our own ruled notebooks, and indeed, wooden tablets of this nature served a similar purpose. The two holes on the inside edge of the tablet would have been used to run cords through and into other tablets, thus binding a series of tablets into a volume that would serve as a notebook. Must have been heavy!

Note that the writing on the two sides is oriented differently. We often see this with reused papyri. The best way to get a clean and strong writing surface was to turn the used page over and turn it 90 degrees. This wouldn't be necessary on a wooden tablet, but the writer was probably used to doing it on papyri and did so here out of habit.

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