University of Michigan papyrus collection draws global researchers

The University of Michigan is home to North America’s largest collection of ancient papyrus, with more than 7,000 manuscripts and about 17,000 fragments dating from 1,000 B.C. to 1,000 A.D.

Researchers from around the world visited Ann Arbor earlier this month to examine the collection and study preservation techniques. Highlights include a 2,200-year-old portion of “The Iliad,” works tied to Epicurus and part of the oldest-known copy of the Epistles of St. Paul.

Some pieces are on display at the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology. The collection began with Francis Willey Kelsey, a U-M archaeologist and professor who acquired pieces through excavations and purchases during his travels.

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