Graz Mummy Book
At the University of Graz, the oldest fragment of a book in codex form known worldwide to date was discovered: an Egyptian papyrus from the 3rd century B.C. shows traces of stitching, indicating that it must have been part of a book.
During routine work on papyrus fragments in the Special Collections at the University of Graz Library, conservator Theresa Zammit Lupi discovered a sensation: an Egyptian papyrus from the 3rd century B.C. shows traces of stitching, indicating that it must have been part of a book. The fragment was found in 1902 in the wrapping of a mummy. 400 years older than the world's first known books, the find will probably push forward the previously scientifically accepted timeline of book history.
The binding thread provided restorer Theresa Zammit Lupi with the clue that it could be a book fragment. Photo: Uni Graz/Kernasenko
The Graz Mummy Book (recto) dated to 260 BC showing Greek text within margins on both sides of a central fold. Its structure indicates it is in book format, as opposed to a scroll.