Why is a Scroll Called a Scroll? Unraveling the History of a Timeless Artifact
The name “scroll” is intrinsically linked to its physical form. The term derives from the Old French word “escroe” or “escroue”, which referred to a strip of parchment or paper. This word ultimately evolved to describe the action of rolling or curling such a strip, thus cementing the connection between the object and its method of manipulation. The name simply describes what you do with it: you scroll it.
The Etymological Journey of “Scroll”
The journey of the word “scroll” through time is fascinating. While the object itself dates back to ancient civilizations, the word as we understand it has a relatively more recent origin.
- Old French Roots: As mentioned, the word’s genesis lies in the Old French “escroe/escroue.” This term denoted a piece of parchment or paper, highlighting the material aspect of the scroll.
- Evolution of Meaning: Over time, the meaning expanded to encompass the act of writing on such a roll. The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) records the first use of “scroll” as a verb in 1606, signifying “to write down in a scroll.”
- Descriptive Action: By 1868, the verb “scroll” had taken on the meaning of “to roll or curl up,” directly reflecting the physical action performed with a scroll. This evolution solidified the link between the object, its material, and its method of use.
- Modern Usage: The adaptation of “scroll” into the computing world in 1971 highlights the enduring concept of moving content, mirroring the physical action of unrolling a scroll to reveal more information.
The Anatomy and Purpose of a Scroll
Understanding why it’s called a scroll also involves understanding what is a scroll. Essentially, a scroll is a length of material, traditionally papyrus, parchment, or paper, used for writing, drawing, or painting. It’s distinguished by being rolled up for storage and transport and meant for repeated use.
- Materials: Scrolls were crafted from various materials, with papyrus dominating in the ancient world, particularly in Egypt where it was readily available since 3000 BC. Parchment, made from animal skin, and later paper, became common alternatives.
- Construction: These materials were joined together to create long strips, often with the writing appearing in columns across the width.
- Functionality: Unlike a “roll,” intended for one-time or continuous use, a scroll was designed for repeated access to specific sections of text. This is particularly relevant in religious text used in synagogues.
- Decoration: Scrolls were not merely functional; they could also be decorated with illustrations or elaborate calligraphy, transforming them into works of art.
From Scroll to Codex: A Shift in Technology
The eventual decline in the use of scrolls in favor of the codex (the precursor to the modern book) is a crucial part of the scroll’s history. The Romans found scrolls cumbersome for lengthy works. The codex, with its bound pages, offered greater portability and ease of navigation. This marked a significant shift in information technology, influencing everything from religious texts to literature. For a deeper dive into how these technologies impact learning, consider exploring resources at organizations like the Games Learning Society, found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Why the Codex Won:
- Ease of Use: The codex could be opened to any page quickly, unlike a scroll that required unrolling.
- Capacity: The codex could hold more text in a more compact form.
- Durability: The bound pages of a codex offered better protection than a rolled scroll.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the World of Scrolls
Here are 15 frequently asked questions (FAQs) to expand your understanding of scrolls:
What is a scroll also called?
A scroll is also known as a rotulus or roll, although “roll” can also refer to a single-use document.
When was the word “scroll” first used in a computing context?
The first use of “scroll” in a computing context was in 1971.
What is the old meaning of “scroll”?
The archaic meanings included: a roll for writing documents, a written message, and a roster or list.
Why did books replace scrolls?
Books (codices) replaced scrolls primarily because they were less cumbersome, easier to navigate, and could hold more text.
What is the most famous scroll?
The Isaiah Scroll, discovered among the Dead Sea Scrolls, is arguably the most famous scroll.
What is the oldest scroll in the Bible?
The Dead Sea Scrolls contain the oldest surviving manuscripts of entire books later included in the biblical canons, dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 1st century CE.
How big was a scroll in the Bible?
Scroll size varied. The Great Isaiah Scroll is 734 cm long.
What does the Bible say about the scroll?
The Bible mentions scrolls in various contexts, including Revelation 5:1, where a mighty angel asks who is worthy to open the scroll.
Which religion has a scroll?
Judaism prominently features the Torah scrolls, which contain the first five books of the Hebrew Bible.
Who wrote the Bible scroll?
The Essenes, a monastic Jewish sect, are often credited with writing many of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
What is a synonym for the word “scroll”?
Synonyms for the noun “scroll” include coil, curl, roll, and whorl. As a verb, to browse could be seen as a modern synonym in a digital context.
What material is the Bible scroll made of?
The Dead Sea Scrolls are made of animal skin, papyrus, and even forged copper.
What are the two types of scroll (in a modern computing context)?
In computing, there are vertical and horizontal scroll bars, allowing users to navigate content exceeding the screen’s dimensions.
What scroll did Jesus read from?
Jesus read from the scroll of Isaiah, as described in Luke 4:16-21.
Who invented scrolls?
Scrolls were first used in the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly by ancient Egyptian civilizations.