It is believed that in antiquity the tablet was displayed in a public place, perhaps a sanctuary, and hung on a rail that allowed it to be read on both the front and the back.
Later, once it had lost its original function, it was broken into eight pieces and destined to be melted down so that the valuable bronze could be reused. The fragments were stored in a damp environment together with other iron objects; for this reason, iron stains and encrustations can still be seen in several areas.