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Ancient Epic Found With Egyptian Mummy
22 May
Summary
- Homer's Iliad fragment found on a 1,600-year-old mummy.
- The papyrus was part of the embalming ritual, a rare discovery.
- This marks the first time a literary text was incorporated into mummification.
Researchers from the University of Barcelona have made an extraordinary archaeological discovery in Al Bahnasa, Egypt, a site once known as Oxyrhynchus. While excavating a Roman-era tomb, they uncovered a fragment of Homer's epic poem, the "Iliad," placed on the abdomen of a mummy dating back approximately 1,600 years.
This find is unprecedented as it represents the first instance in archaeological history where a Greek literary text was intentionally included in the mummification process. Previously, papyri found in similar funerary contexts at Oxyrhynchus contained only magical or ritualistic content. The uncovered fragment, identified by papyrologist Leah Mascia, belongs to Book II of the "Iliad."
Excavations at the necropolis, led by Professor Núria Castellano, also revealed decorated wooden sarcophagi and other Roman-era mummies within three limestone burial chambers. Despite evidence of past looting, the Homeric papyrus stands out as the most significant discovery, providing a unique intersection of literature and ancient funerary customs.
