Bankes Homer Papyrus Digitized: Ancient Iliad Manuscript Now Online
The Bankes Homer, an exceptionally well-preserved ancient manuscript of Homer's Iliad from around 150 C.E., has been digitized by the British Library. This papyrus scroll, which features Book 24, lines 127–804, was acquired in Egypt in 1821 by Egyptologist William John Bankes, who obtained it from adventurer Giovanni Finati on Elephantine Island. Scholars and the public can now access the high-resolution digital version on the British Library's website, allowing for detailed examination. The manuscript bears breathing marks and accents from an ancient corrector, suggesting its use in teaching poetic pronunciation. Historian Adam Nicolson, author of 'Why Homer Matters,' posits that Homer represents a collective tradition rather than a single author, emphasizing the manuscript's significance in understanding the evolution of ancient texts and literary culture.
Key facts
- The Bankes Homer papyrus, dating from circa 150 C.E., is digitized and available in high resolution on the British Library website.
- The manuscript contains Book 24, lines 127–804 of the Iliad.
- It was purchased in Egypt in 1821 by Egyptologist William John Bankes.
- The papyrus was acquired by Giovanni Finati on the island of Elephantine.
- It includes breathing marks and accents added by an ancient corrector for pedagogical purposes.
- The digitization allows public access to one of the best-preserved ancient Iliad manuscripts.
- Classicists often treat 'Homer' as a placeholder for a collective tradition.
- Historian Adam Nicolson describes Homer as 'an it'—a tradition and an entire culture.
Entities
Artists
- Homer
- William John Bankes
- Giovanni Finati
- Adam Nicolson
- Michel Foucault
- Roland Barthes
- Josh Jones
Institutions
- British Library
- University of Cincinnati
- National Geographic
- The New Yorker
Locations
- Egypt
- Elephantine
- Durham
- NC