I remember first seeing this fragment about 10 years ago, and being astonished that it was right here in Manchester. The museum didn't seem to make a big fuss about it either, it was in a display case identical to plenty more around it. I hope they put it somewhere a bit more prominent post-refurb.
The beauty of Daniel's story is that when he says at the end that "Manchester’s most important artefact is incredibly ancient" we say to ourselves, "No. Thanks to Daniel, the artefact has become credibly ancient." Marvellous work.
I had know idea that scrolls were written on one side but this fragment being two sided makes it a book! The 3 D model brings it to life digitally. Thanks for enlivening my Easter! Looking forward to seeing it for real next Easter. Historicity makes a huge difference to my daily reality. Thanks Daniel Timms.
Thanks Liz. They've got a huge collection of ancient papyri - the curator told me lots of them still haven't been analysed. But most of them are normally in storage
Great story, very much part of The Mill’s wide-ranging journalism. It complements beautifully Good Friday’s inspiring performance of Bach’s St John Passion by the BBC Philharmonic and the Manchester Chamber Choir: the interrogation of Jesus by Pilate is at the heart of the work.
Fabulous article! As a historian I loved all the research detail. I saw this fragment many years ago and felt the same awe and wonder. We don't have enough knowledge about Manchester's history and the artefacts in our repositories, and this did a great job of informing the public. Thank you.
I remember first seeing this fragment about 10 years ago, and being astonished that it was right here in Manchester. The museum didn't seem to make a big fuss about it either, it was in a display case identical to plenty more around it. I hope they put it somewhere a bit more prominent post-refurb.
Yes it's pretty extraordinary. I agree, they should make it more prominent
Wow what a compelling story ,thanks Daniel . Lucky Manchester.
Fascinating article. I have lived in Manchester for over 70 years and didn’t know about this papyrus.
Thanks Mohammed. Yes, Manchester doesn't make very much of it!
The beauty of Daniel's story is that when he says at the end that "Manchester’s most important artefact is incredibly ancient" we say to ourselves, "No. Thanks to Daniel, the artefact has become credibly ancient." Marvellous work.
Such a kind comment - thanks Andrew
Absolutely brilliant article! A great Easter morning read. Thanks to you Daniel and also to John Rylands library staff for their work.
Thanks Cath! Yes it was really kind of them to let me look around
I had know idea that scrolls were written on one side but this fragment being two sided makes it a book! The 3 D model brings it to life digitally. Thanks for enlivening my Easter! Looking forward to seeing it for real next Easter. Historicity makes a huge difference to my daily reality. Thanks Daniel Timms.
Thanks Jane. Yes, I hadn't realised at all how significant Christianity was for bringing the book to the world
Fascinating read - you bring this to life so eloquently - I did not know this ancient script was in Manchester, this has inspired me to seek out more.
Thanks Liz. They've got a huge collection of ancient papyri - the curator told me lots of them still haven't been analysed. But most of them are normally in storage
Thank you for this beautifully written article. What is truth? Indeed!
‘Sworn to secrecy’ indeed. Tell me Daniel, was that on a Bible, by any chance?
I couldn't possibly comment
Great story, very much part of The Mill’s wide-ranging journalism. It complements beautifully Good Friday’s inspiring performance of Bach’s St John Passion by the BBC Philharmonic and the Manchester Chamber Choir: the interrogation of Jesus by Pilate is at the heart of the work.
Great piece. Thank you Daniel.
Fabulous article! As a historian I loved all the research detail. I saw this fragment many years ago and felt the same awe and wonder. We don't have enough knowledge about Manchester's history and the artefacts in our repositories, and this did a great job of informing the public. Thank you.
Thanks Joanna - really glad you liked it