1,700-year-old fragment of "Odyssey" discovered inside library book
Summary
A 1,700-year-old piece of Homer's epic poem "Odyssey" was found inside a library book in the Netherlands. The fragment, dating back to around 300 AD, was discovered by a researcher studying ancient manuscripts at Utrecht University.Key Facts
- The fragment was found by Dr. Mark de Kreij of Radboud University during a project at Utrecht University.
- It was hidden between the pages of a library book purchased in the mid-20th century.
- The piece is about the size of a playing card and shows signs of age like discoloration and moisture stains.
- The fragment contains text from the 12th book of the "Odyssey," describing sailors eating cattle sacred to the Sun God Apollo.
- Researchers first thought it was a 7th-century Egyptian text but then identified it as part of the "Odyssey."
- Only about 30 such ancient "Odyssey" fragments are known worldwide.
- The fragment likely came from a pocket-sized edition owned by someone in Egypt's Faiyum oasis.
- This discovery was announced publicly about two years after it was found.
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