Lives and Literacy in Ancient Egypt

This catalogue accompanies Lives and Literacy in Ancient Egypt, an exhibition exploring the transformational role of papyrus in Graeco-Roman Egypt. In contrast to the grandeur of pyramids and temples, this exhibition catalogue features the humble papyrus, a media technology that reveals a vibrant, multilingual society navigating radical change. Hosted by the John Rylands Research Institute and Library in collaboration with the Harry Ransom Center, this exhibition highlights how writing extended beyond temples, shaping daily life, law, medicine, and religion.Featuring unique literary manuscripts, petitions, magical texts, and early Christian writings—including one of the oldest extant copies of the Gospel of John—visitors encounter how literacy influenced culture and identity, and how it facilitated international politics and shaped daily life. The exhibition traces the journey of papyrus from its production and use in education to its repurposing in mummy cartonnage, emphasizing the contingent and fragmentary nature of history. With loans from the Manchester Museum and the Egypt Exploration Society, this catalogue invites readers to rethink ancient Egypt’s legacy and the power of the written word in preserving diverse voices across time.