Scribes, 10th Century


Detail of Saint Gregory the Great with scribes. A scribe is a person who writes books or documents by hand in hieroglyphics, cuneiform or other scripts and may help keep track of records for priests and government. The profession, previously found in all literate cultures in some form, lost most of its importance and status with the advent of printing. The work could involve copying books, including sacred texts, or secretarial and administrative duties, such as taking of dictation and the keeping of business, judicial and, historical records for kings, nobles, temples, and cities. Ivory relief from the cover of a sacramentary, 10th century, Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna.


Size: 4800px × 2495px
Photo credit: © Photo Researchers / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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