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.
© 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
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.
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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
