Beyond Rituals: The Shift Toward Literary Burials in Roman Egypt
The discovery of a papyrus fragment of Homer’s Iliad tucked inside the abdomen of a 1,600-year-old mummy marks a pivotal shift in our understanding of ancient funerary practices. For decades, archaeologists have found Greek-language papyri in mummies, but these were almost exclusively limited to magical spells or ritualistic instructions.
This new uncover from Oxyrhynchus reveals a trend where Greek literature—specifically a secular epic—was integrated into the preservation process. This suggests that the boundaries between religious ritual and cultural identity were blurring during the Roman period in Egypt.
The Mystery of the “Catalogue of Ships”
What makes this discovery particularly intriguing is the specific section of the Iliad chosen. The text belongs to the “Catalogue of Ships” from Book 2, a detailed listing of the Greek armies assembling before the city of Troy.
Researchers from the University of Barcelona’s Institute of Ancient Near East are currently analyzing why such a specific, list-heavy portion of the epic was selected. While traditional burials focused on guiding the soul through the afterlife with spells, the inclusion of a military registry suggests a different motivation—perhaps reflecting the deceased’s social status, personal preference, or a new cultural symbol of the time.
The Hybridization of Death: Egyptian, Greek, and Roman Fusion
The findings at Oxyrhynchus highlight a broader trend of cultural synthesis. During the Roman period, Egyptian burial customs did not simply disappear; they evolved by absorbing Hellenistic and Roman influences.
This fusion is evident in several key areas of the funerary process:
- Artistic Blending: Coffins and shrouds from this period frequently feature a mix of Egyptian and Roman motifs.
- Material Shifts: The discovery of three limestone chambers containing ornate wooden coffins shows a transition in how the elite chose to be interred.
- Textual Integration: The transition from purely ritualistic texts to literary works like the Iliad.
The Decline of the Canopic Jar
One of the most significant trends identified in these burials is the abandonment of traditional canopic jars. In earlier Egyptian eras, these jars were essential for preserving internal organs.
Yet, in the Roman-era burials of Oxyrhynchus, priests shifted their approach. Instead of external jars, preservation materials—and in this rare case, literary papyri—were stuffed directly back into the body. These materials were then sealed within the pelvic or chest cavities using clay, fundamentally changing the physical architecture of the mummy.
Archaeological Insights from Oxyrhynchus
Located approximately 190 kilometers south of Cairo near the Bahr Yussef (a branch of the Nile), the site of Oxyrhynchus remains one of the most crucial urban centers of the Greco-Roman period. Recent excavations conducted between November and December 2025 have continued to yield high-value finds.
The presence of these literary fragments suggests that the residents of Oxyrhynchus viewed the Iliad not just as a book to be read, but as a text powerful enough to accompany a person into eternity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the mummy discovered?
The mummy was found in a Roman-period tomb in Oxyrhynchus, located near the modern town of Al-Bahnasa in Egypt.
Why is this discovery considered a “first”?
While Greek texts have been found in mummies before, they were always magical or ritualistic. This is the first time a function of Greek literature (the Iliad) has been found as part of the mummification process.
Who conducted the research?
The excavation and study were carried out by researchers from the University of Barcelona’s Institute of Ancient Near East.
What do you suppose? Is the inclusion of a favorite poem in a burial the ultimate romantic gesture, or a sign of social status in the ancient world? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more deep dives into ancient mysteries.
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