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.
![The fragment of the Graz Mummy Book, so far the oldest known book in the world © Uni Graz/Kernasenko Papyrus fragment behind glass in the restoration workshop of the University of Graz © Uni Graz/Kernasenko](https://static.uni-graz.at/fileadmin/_processed_/5/b/csm_JK_2023_06_20_L1090058__1__adfc68594f.jpg)
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 ©](https://static.uni-graz.at/fileadmin/_processed_/8/3/csm_uni-graz-mummybook_detail_by_joel-kernasenko_f589079e1f.jpg)
![Detail](https://static.uni-graz.at/fileadmin/_processed_/3/9/csm_uni-graz-THE-Mummy_Book_Image_1_0252d85c1e.jpg)