Papyrus

Introduction

Papyrus was an important writing material. Thanks to its special qualities, the Constitutio Antoniniana still exists 1800 years after it was put down in writing.

Making Papyrus

This page describes the origin and making of papyrus, the material on which the Constitutio Antoniniana was written.

Restoration

Conservation of the Papyrus Gissensis 40, initially undertaken by Hugo Ibscher, had to be resumed after the document suffered water damage during and after World War II

The University Library’s Papyrus Collection

This section of the website provides more detail on the university library’s papyrus collection, which comprises several partial collections. You will find information on where digitized copies of papyri and ostraca are accessible online and on how originals are stored.