Archaeologists have uncovered an extraordinary connection between death and literature inside a 1,600-year-old mummy in Egypt. Hidden inside the wrappings of a newly found mummy was a piece of Homer’s Iliad, making this the first known literary text placed on purpose during mummification. Greek texts have appeared in mummies before however, they were always magical spells or ritual writings.
The discovery was made at Oxyrhynchus, one of the most important archaeological sites in Greco-Roman Egypt. For more than a century, the site has yielded thousands of papyri, preserving pieces of the ancient world that would otherwise be lost. Researchers with the Oxyrhynchus Archaeological Mission, led through the University of Barcelona, found the papyrus resting on the mummy’s abdomen during excavations in late 2025.
That makes this find historically significant. For the first time, archaeologists have evidence that a literary work accompanied someone into the afterlife. Even more remarkable is the text itself. Experts identified the fragment as part of the famous “Catalogue of Ships” from Book II of the Iliad. The passage lists the Greek forces sailing to Troy and remains one of the most recognizable sections of Western literature.
For nearly 3,000 years, the Iliad has shaped storytelling across cultures. Its influence can be seen in everything from epic fantasy novels to modern war films. Finding a piece of that legacy preserved inside a mummy adds an entirely new dimension to its history.
The papyrus was identified by scholars including Leah Mascia, Ignasi-Xavier Adiego, and conservator Margalida Munar. Their work confirms that literature held a place in ancient society beyond education and entertainment. The discovery also highlights the enduring importance of Al Bahnasa, the modern town built atop ancient Oxyrhynchus. After centuries underground, one of humanity’s oldest stories continues to reveal new secrets.
