A Literary Twist in Ancient Burial Rituals
The discovery of a papyrus fragment from Homer’s Iliad inside a 1,600-year-old mummy is rewriting the rulebook on ancient Egyptian funerary practices. While archaeologists have long found Greek texts wrapped within mummies, these were almost exclusively limited to magical spells or ritualistic instructions intended to guide the deceased through the afterlife.
This latest discover, uncovered in a Roman-era tomb in Oxyrhynchus, represents the first time a purely literary Greek text has been incorporated into the embalming process. The fragment specifically contains a passage from Book II of the Iliad, known as the “Catalogue of Ships,” where Homer lists the Greek cities that joined the expedition against Troy under King Agamemnon.
Researchers from the University of Barcelona’s Institute of Ancient Near East Studies, led by Dr. Maite Mascort and Dr. Ester Pons Mellado, discovered the mummy during an excavation campaign between November and December 2025. The papyrus was found placed directly on the abdomen as part of the preservation ritual.
Redefining Greco-Roman Funerary Beliefs
This discovery suggests a significant shift in our understanding of religious life in Greco-Roman Egypt. The inclusion of literature—rather than just ritualistic magic—indicates a complex intersection of Greek culture and Egyptian burial traditions.
During the Roman period, embalming techniques evolved. Instead of utilizing traditional canopic jars to store organs, priests often filled the thoracic or pelvic cavities with preservation materials and papyri, which were then sealed with clay. The presence of the Iliad suggests that literary texts may have held a spiritual or symbolic value previously unrecognized by historians.
Experts are now analyzing why this specific text was chosen. The “Catalogue of Ships” is a detailed list of geography and lineage; its presence in a burial context may offer clues about the identity, status, or aspirations of the deceased.
The Secrets of Oxyrhynchus and Al-Bahnasa
The mummy was found in Oxyrhynchus, known in Pharaonic times as Per-Medjed. Today, the remains of this once-vital city are located in Al-Bahnasa, approximately 190km south of Cairo, near the Bahr Yussef branch of the Nile.
Oxyrhynchus has historically been a goldmine for papyrologists, yielding vast quantities of Greek literary texts since the late 19th century. However, finding these texts within the “embalming context” is a breakthrough that separates general archival finds from intentional funerary offerings.
The excavation also revealed other intriguing artifacts that highlight the social stratification of the era:
- Golden and Copper Tongues: Archaeologists found three tongues made of gold and one of copper placed inside the mouths of the deceased. These were likely intended to help the dead speak before divine beings.
- Gold Leaf: Traces of gold leaf on several mummies suggest a higher social status or specific spiritual beliefs for certain individuals.
- Diverse Coffins: Findings ranged from linen bandages with geometric patterns to painted wooden coffins and stone sarcophagi.
For more on how these discoveries are shaping modern history, you can explore the latest reports from the Independent or the Greek Reporter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is finding the Iliad in a mummy significant?
It is the first time a Greek literary text, rather than a magical or ritualistic one, has been found as part of the embalming process, changing our view of ancient funerary beliefs.
Where was the mummy discovered?
The mummy was found in the ancient city of Oxyrhynchus (Per-Medjed), located in present-day Al-Bahnasa, Egypt.
What are “golden tongues” in this context?
These are ritual objects placed in the mouths of the deceased, believed to enable them to communicate with divine beings in the afterlife.
Who led the archaeological mission?
The mission was led by Dr. Maite Mascort and Dr. Ester Pons Mellado from the University of Barcelona.
What do you think? Could the presence of literature in tombs suggest that the ancient Greeks and Egyptians viewed storytelling as a bridge to the afterlife? Share your theories in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more archaeological breakthroughs!
