The Art of Writing - From Runes to Latin Letters
During the early Middle Ages, written communication became increasingly common. Runes had been used for a long time, but the Latin alphabet was introduced to Sweden with the spread of the church in the 12th century.
In the archaeological finds from Lödöse, there are about 60 rune-inscribed objects made of wood, bone, lead, and stone. The inscriptions could be an owner's name or a short message. Repeated runes were common and are believed to have been used for magical purposes. Rune-like symbols could also be used as a mark of ownership on personal belongings.
A Medieval Notebook
The wax tablet was the medieval notebook. Writing was done in the soft wax with a pointed object, a stylus. Permanent text, such as deeds and other important documents, was written on parchment with a quill and ink. Processed horns with traces of ink have been found among the archaeological finds.
Books were found in church and royal environments and could be decorated with metal book fittings and inlaid stones of various colors.
On a brick found at the brick kiln near the monastery, the Latin alphabet is inscribed. This was done before the brick was fired, perhaps by a monk who wanted to show his knowledge of Latin.