Tabularii

Tabularii were scribes or clerks in ancient Rome who were responsible for keeping public records. The term originates from the Latin word "tabula," meaning tablet or board, referring to the wax tablets or wooden boards on which official documents were often inscribed. These individuals played a crucial role in the administration of the Roman state, managing a variety of documents essential for governance and legal processes.

Their duties likely encompassed maintaining records of laws, census data, financial accounts, property ownership, and legal judgments. The specific responsibilities of a tabularius could vary depending on their level and the particular office they served. They were considered public officials, though often not of the highest rank, and their work provided a foundation for the legal and administrative systems of Rome. The preservation of these records was vital for historical continuity and the functioning of the empire. The role of the tabularius highlights the importance of record-keeping and bureaucratic organization in ancient Roman society.