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Ancient Documents on Display in July

Brigham Young University and the American Society of Papyrologists have invited scholars to a Papyrological Summer Institute with the goal of teaching how to read and use papyri. To support the institute, The Harold B. Lee Library has collected a number of ancient documents ranging from papyri to ostraca (potsherds) and metal foil that will be on public display during July. The exhibition will also feature the multispectral imaging device that revolutionized the study of papyri.

The multispectral imaging system allowed scholars to read text that had been overwritten by later writers as well as look at texts on damaged pages.

Regular photography shows the latest writing on this document.

The multispectral image reveals earlier writing on the same papyrus.

The exhibition, Documents from the Ancient World, is located on level 3 of the library. It is open during all library hours and admission is free. It is part of the library’s ongoing celebration of the 50 year anniversary of the library’s building.

You can learn more about papyri at the following links:

Papyrus Expert Q & A

What’s New in Papyrology Blog

Herculaneum Uncovered-PBS

CPART