As soon as the codex was invented in the First century AD, it threatened the survival of the scroll. Yet, although they’d long been replaced in the Middle Ages, scrolls were still preferred for legal, financial and government records. Parchment scrolls were easy to carry, making information easily transportable. The scroll format was very practical – if one needed to add information or text to the document, a piece of parchment could easily be glued or sewn onto the end, as necessary. Alchemical recipes, Medieval cookbooks and other lists were made as scrolls so that they could be lengthened as new ingredients were added or discovered. Even today, important occurrences that are marked with tradition and ceremony like diplomas, degrees and certifications, are often written on scrolls .  

Although the two terms are interchangeable, a manuscript roll was vertically opened and oriented, whereas a  scroll opened horizontally. Horizontal scrolls were usually wound around a central baton or wooden rod called the umbilicus, with knobs on one or both ends. Both types had to be rerolled after every use. 

Medieval manuscript scrolls were written by hand on prepared parchment (animal skin) and often Illuminated with paints and gold leaf.  Medieval scrolls would become easily damaged and worn from continuous use and rerolling. A band of leather or cloth would be stitched or glued to the beginning of the scroll, to wrap and protect them when fully rolled. Scrolls were usually secured with twine, leather cord or a leather wrap, when rolled. 

The use of wax seals began in the Middle Ages, when illiteracy was widespread. They were originally reserved for the wealthy classes. A seal was added to prove that the handwritten signature on a document wasn’t forged. Medieval seals were two sided, creating a three-dimensional impression. Sealing both sides of the wax would make detaching the seal, and therefore forgery, more difficult. ‘Pendant’ or hanging seals dangled from authenticated documents, attached by strips of parchment, ribbon or silk. Some Medieval scrolls were signed by more than one person, so some documents had many hanging seals. Signet rings were unique to their wearer, and it was a way to prevent forgeries or unauthorized documents. These rings were destroyed when the owner died.  

I simply had to create some Mini Medieval Illuminated Scrolls because they are beautiful to look at, and oh-so-enchanting! This authentically Medieval two-sheet DIY printable makes a set of 2 miniature scrolls. It consists of a vertical manuscript roll and a horizontal scroll, both with ancient text on old parchment background. Making the tiny wax seals and leather cord was so much fun! These tiny scrolls are perfect for 1:12 scale miniature castles, apothecaries, Medieval dioramas and every dollhouse library! Available in Lady Miniac’s shop. 

For a free DIY video tutorial showing the step-by-step process for this printable, please see my YouTube channel link https://youtu.be/XEzDUUKHCg0