Washington University in St. Louis recently hosted a community event to provide updates on the ongoing work surrounding its papyri collection, housed in Special Collections at Olin Library. This remarkable collection, acquired in the 1920s for just $200, originates largely from the region around Oxyrhynchos, Egypt, and spans the 4th to 10th centuries. The fragments include both Greek and Arabic texts and offer invaluable insights into everyday life in the ancient world.
The collection is now the focus of an ambitious conservation and research initiative led by Honorary Professor of Classics Roger Bagnall. Since 2022, Professor Bagnall has spearheaded efforts to identify and prepare approximately 100 unpublished fragments for cleaning, conservation, and eventual publication. These fragments include a variety of historically significant documents, such as a receipt for wine, a letter requesting a large sum of money, and even an order for arrest. Each piece contributes to a broader understanding of life in antiquity, shedding light on commerce, personal correspondence, and legal systems of the time.
Conservation and Technology in Action
One of the most pressing tasks for the team is conservation. The delicate papyri fragments require careful cleaning and fiber-straightening to ensure their long-term preservation. Advanced tools, such as infrared photography, have become vital to this work. Infrared imaging allows researchers to read ink that has faded over time, revealing text that would otherwise remain obscured.
International Collaboration
This important work has gained momentum through international collaboration. Dr. Alexander Free of the Ludwigs-Maximilians Universität in Munich, supported by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, has joined the project. Dr. Free’s expertise complements the efforts of Professor Bagnall, MA student Will Sieving, and colleagues from WashU Libraries. Together, the team is focusing on the conservation, photography, and editing of the fragments.
Community Engagement
The event not only highlighted the progress of the project but also engaged the broader community in understanding the significance of the collection. Attendees had the opportunity to view the conservation process, learn about the technological tools used in the research, and hear from the scholars leading the project.
Looking Ahead
As the team continues their work, the goal remains to preserve these ancient artifacts while making them accessible to scholars and the public alike. The ongoing collaboration and application of innovative techniques ensure that the WashU papyri collection will continue to reveal its secrets, connecting us to the rich tapestry of life in the ancient world.
For more updates on the WashU papyri project, stay tuned to Special Collections and Classics Department announcements.
