Overview

This book presents a scientific and archaeological examination of the unprecedented discovery of an Egyptian mummy unearthed with a fragment of Homer's Iliad attached to its abdomen during excavations at ancient Oxyrhynchus in modern-day Al Bahnasa, Egypt. Drawing from archaeological reports, papyrology, classical studies, bioarchaeology, conservation science, and funerary research, the study explores the historical, cultural, and scientific significance of the find within the Roman-era Egypt. The book analyzes the excavation process, the structure of the tombs, the condition of the recovered mummies, and the role of literary papyri in embalming practices. It explores how Greek literary traditions relate with Egyptian funerary customs, while also examining the scientific methods used to study fragile papyrus fragments without causing irreversible damage. Attention is given to mummification chemistry, manuscript preservation, burial rituals, paleographic analysis, and the evolving use of imaging technologies in archaeological research.

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