Clay cuneiform tablet with rounded corners, Mari, 1900 – 64 BC, 7.1 × 7 cm.

Cuneiform, Aramaic, Syriac, Greek, Latin and Arabic inscriptions.

Ceramic (clay, terracotta) and bronze tablets: May be square-shaped, rectangular or with rounded corners (circular). Sometimes impressed with a cylinder seal. Average size: 3-30 x 3-30 cm.

Stone and bronze plaques and steles: Square-shaped.

Paper and parchment manuscripts, scrolls and books: With Greek, Syriac or Arabic writing. May be decorated with ornamental figures and gold colouring.