Discovering Papyrology in the Classics Library

The Classics Library was the site of intense research this summer as it supported the University of Cincinnati’s Department of Classics’ Papyrology Institute, the third in a series of Summer Papyrological Institutes under the aegis of the American Society of Papyrologists. The first and second Institutes were held at Yale University and the University of California, Berkeley.

At the Institute, Professor Peter Van Minnen of UC and Professor Jean-Luc Fournet of the Ecole Practique of Paris, with support from Professors William Johnson (UC) and Will Clarysse (University of Leuven) trained 12 advanced doctoral students from North America, England, and Russia to transcribe, read, and edit papyri. University Libraries’ Archives and Rare Books Library housed the unpublished papyri and generously provided secure facilities for their examination and instruction. The students and faculty made extensive use of library materials placed on reserve and conveniently shelved in the book stacks.

What are papyri? They are primary source documents from the ancient Mediterranean world. As Professor Van Minnen states: “Anything can be found written on papyrus, from previously unknown masterpieces of Greek literature to tax accounts. Naturally, classicists who study ancient literature and history are excited about these new texts as they expand our knowledge of the ancient world and will continue to do so in the foreseeable future.”

The results of the research conducted this summer will be published. Library staff in the Archives & Rare Books Library and Classics Library can be proud of their contributions to this successful Institute.

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