What's Happening?
A team of archaeologists from the University of Barcelona, led by Núria Castellano, has uncovered a unique archaeological find in a 1,600-year-old Egyptian mummy. During a field campaign in late 2025, the team discovered a papyrus containing a passage
from Homer's Iliad used as embalming material. This discovery was made in Tomb 65 at the ancient city of Oxyrhynchus, a site known for yielding numerous papyrus fragments. The papyrus was found deliberately placed on the mummy's abdomen, suggesting it was part of the embalming process. The text identified is from Book II of the Iliad, specifically the Catalogue of Ships, a well-known section listing Greek forces that sailed to Troy. This is the first time a literary text has been found in such a funerary context, as previous papyri found in mummies typically contained magical or religious texts.
Why It's Important?
The discovery is significant as it challenges previous understandings of Roman-era Egyptian embalming practices. If the papyrus was recycled waste, it suggests a practical use of available materials, highlighting economic aspects of the period. Alternatively, if deliberately placed, it indicates a personal or cultural significance attached to the Iliad, reflecting the deceased's status or education. This find adds a new dimension to the cultural presence of the Iliad in Roman-era Egypt, showing it was not only a text for education but also part of the material culture. The discovery contributes to the broader understanding of how ancient texts were valued and used in different contexts, offering insights into the intersection of literature and daily life in ancient societies.
What's Next?
The Oxyrhynchus team is currently studying the papyrus to determine whether it was recycled waste or deliberately placed. This involves analyzing the context and condition of the papyrus and comparing it with other finds from the site. The team, including conservator Margalida Munar, papyrologist Leah Mascia, and classical philologist Ignasi-Xavier Adiego, is working to publish their findings. The papyrus will be conserved and studied further to understand its implications for the history of the Iliad's textual transmission and its role in ancient Egyptian society. The results could influence future archaeological and literary studies, potentially leading to new interpretations of ancient cultural practices.
