In 1973, an excavator pulled out a pile of soggy wood chips and discovered the world's oldest birthday invitation
TIMESOFINDIA.COM / May 02, 2026, 00:30 (IST)
Archaeologists unearthed ancient wooden tablets at Vindolanda, revealing personal messages from Roman Britain. A birthday invitation from Claudia Severa to her friend Sulpicia Lepidina, dating to around 100 AD, is the oldest known. These tablets offer a glimpse into everyday life, challenging previous historical perspectives. The unique soil conditions preserved these fragile artifacts for nearly two millennia.