Graz Mummy Book

The oldest fragment of a bifolio in codex form was discovered at the University of Graz. The Egyptian papyrus fragment from 260 BCE predates existing codices by 300-400 years, making it the first direct precursor of the codex form.

Papyrus fragment behind glass in the restoration workshop of the University of Graz © Uni Graz/Kernasenko

The oldest known bifolio in the world was discovered by conservator Theresa Zammit Lupi at the University of Graz who noticed a thread remnant, sewing holes, a central fold and text layout typical of a book. Photo: University of Graz/Kernasenko

'The Graz Mummy Book’: The Oldest Known Codex Fragment from 260 BC Discovered at Graz University Library, Austria

Observations on The Graz Mummy Book - 12.09.2023 (PDF)

During routine work on the papyrus fragment collection at Graz University Library, Special Collections, conservator Theresa Zammit Lupi made a sensational discovery: an Egyptian papyrus from the 3rd century BCE shows features typical for a codex including a thread fragment, sewing holes, a central fold and text layout. The fragment was found in 1902 in the wrapping of a mummy. Until now it was believed that the codex developed with the birth of Christianity. But being 300- 400 years older than the world's first known books, the find challenges the previous scientifically accepted timeline of book history.

Detail view of the fragment with thread ©

The presence of a thread remnant is what triggered conservator Theresa Zammit Lupi to believe that the fragment was once part of a book. Photo: Uni Graz/Kernasenko

The Graz Mummy Book (recto) dated to 260 BCE showing Greek text within margins on both sides of a central fold. Its structure indicates it is in codex format, as opposed to a scroll. Photo: Uni Graz/Conservation

Graz Mummy Book with grid

Stages of the Graz Mummy Book

Pierced holes