Papyrus, made from an Egyptian reed, was one of the most common materials used for writing in late antiquity across the entire ancient Mediterranean world. Because it was easily grown and manufactured, papyrus was used for any and every type of writing, from official documents to private letters. Papyrus was not completely replaced by parchment until the late 9th century, and it was longer still until paper overtook them both in the Mediterranean and Europe.

This fragment is written in Ancient Greek, and appears to be a letter. Other similar fragments found across Egypt were identified as administrative records: receipts of purchase, marriage records, manumissions of slaves, and various other contracts.

—Miranda Aebersold-Burke

Catalogue Record, Free Library of Philadelphia

Digitized Object, BiblioPhilly