Browse the Michigan Papyrus Collection

In order to facilitate the study and research of the Michigan Papyrus Collection, we have divided and subdivided the papyri under several different subject headings. However, it should be noted that these categories may not be all-inclusive. If the desired topic cannot be found below, more complex searches can be done in our APIS database

Click on a category to see papyri relating to that subject.

Administration and Law - Information pertaining to the governmental structures of Egypt, such as the army, administration, taxation and the census, court proceedings and justice.

Daily Life/ Cultural Aspects - Information on baths, death, ethnicity, trade, etc..

Geographica - For information pertaining to such areas in Egypt as Alexandria, Antinooupolis, Oxyrhynchus and especially Karanis.

Languages and Scripts - Arabic, Coptic, Demotic, Greek, and Latin languages are listed.

Literature and Education - The Michigan Papyrus Collection contains texts by Aristophanes, Sophocles, Thucydides and other ancient writers and texts such as the Iliad. Also listed is information on literacy, education and writing.

Materials - The ancient world employed a variety of writing materials, the most commonly used being papyrus and ostraca.

Science and Religion - Click here for information on astrology, dynastic cults, festivals, funerary practices, medicine, magic, etc.

Social Status - Roman citizens, slaves, freedmen, Alexandrian citizens, etc.

Women and Children - For issues pertaining to women in Ancient Egypt, such as birth, children, divorce marriage, etc., click here.

Chronology - For papyri from selected centuries ranging from the 3rd century B.C. to the 6th century A.D.