Category Archives: Papyrus Making

The Crosby-Schøyen Codex, the Length of kollēmata, and Dates of Codices

Posted on May 16, 2024 by Brent Nongbri

The upcoming auction of the Crosby-Schøyen Codex prompted me to revisit the edition of the codex and think a bit about the book’s construction. One datum that didn’t really register with me before I started making papyrus rolls is the … Continue reading →

Posted in Bodmer Papyri, Codicology, Papyrus Making, Schøyen Collection, Tura Papyri, Voluminology | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Manufacturing a Papyrus Roll

Posted on January 21, 2024 by Brent Nongbri

Over the years, I’ve had many occasions to talk about the manufacture of papyrus rolls. I typically describe them as fairly simple artifacts–several individual sheets of papyrus pasted together to form a roll. And a papyrus roll is relatively simple … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Trade in Antiquity, Papyrus Making, Voluminology | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

The Color(s) of Papyrus and Pliny’s Instructions

Posted on December 31, 2023 by Brent Nongbri

A few months ago, I observed that two stalks of papyrus from the same plant could produce quite different colored sheets of papyrus. I’ve also noticed that the same stalk of papyrus can produce strips that, although they look the … Continue reading →

Posted in Papyrus Making | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

Is “Papyrus (Roll) Maker” (chartopoios) an Ancient Word?

Posted on July 23, 2023 by Brent Nongbri

In literature about the process of papyrus production in antiquity, the word χαρτοποιός (“papyrus maker” or “papyrus roll manufacturer”) comes up with some frequency. What’s odd is that its role in the discussion is out of proportion to its attestation. … Continue reading →

Posted in Papyrus Making | 5 Comments

Snowy White Papyrus

Posted on July 12, 2023 by Brent Nongbri

I’ve been experimenting with making my own papyrus and discovering that there are lots of variables to control in order to make good quality writing material. One thing that especially surprised me has to do with the color of papyrus. … Continue reading →

Posted in Papyrus Making, Voluminology | 2 Comments