Theory — better to read standing on iPad Pro or walking than sitting?

Did they read standing or sitting or something else?

In ancient Greece and Rome, reading practices varied depending on the context, the reader’s preferences, and the social setting.

In ancient Greece, it was common for individuals to read both sitting and standing. Public readings, a prominent part of Greek culture, often involved the reader standing, especially in formal settings like theatrical performances or public recitations. In more private or casual settings, Greeks might read while seated, perhaps in a comfortable part of their home.

Similarly, in ancient Rome, the practice of reading could occur in both positions. For private reading, a Roman might sit in a relaxed setting, such as in a study or a library. Wealthier Romans had specialized rooms for reading and writing, often furnished with comfortable seating. On the other hand, public readings, which were an essential part of Roman literary culture, typically saw the reader standing, as it was a formal activity and often a form of entertainment or public engagement.

In both cultures, the physical act of reading (whether sitting or standing) was less important than the social and cultural context in which the reading occurred. Public readings were opportunities for social gathering and intellectual discourse, while private reading was a sign of leisure and education.

Reading books in ancient Rome and Greece was quite different from today’s practices, reflecting their unique literary cultures.

In ancient Greece, texts were mainly written on papyrus scrolls. These scrolls were unrolled horizontally, and the reader would read the text in columns. This format was not particularly convenient for long texts, as it required the reader to continuously unroll and re-roll the scroll. Often, reading was an oral activity, where texts were read aloud, either for personal enjoyment or for an audience.

In ancient Rome, the situation was somewhat similar. They also used papyrus scrolls, though parchment became more common later on. Roman readers faced the same challenges with scrolls as the Greeks. However, the codex, a precursor to the modern book, started to appear in the Roman world by the 1st century AD. The codex, made of bound pages, was easier to navigate than scrolls and could hold more text, making it more convenient for longer works.

In both cultures, literacy varied. While many could read, books were expensive and not widely accessible, making public readings and recitations common. Also, reading was often considered a social activity, with people gathering to listen to texts being read aloud.

Interestingly, these practices reflect a deep respect for the oral tradition and the spoken word, a characteristic of ancient literary cultures. The transition to the codex was a significant innovation, laying the groundwork for the modern book.