The LRB Podcast
Euripides Unbound
Sep 25, 2024
Robert Cioffi, an archaeologist working on a mission in Egypt, shares thrilling insights about a recent discovery of papyrus containing lost lines from Euripides. He discusses the challenges of deciphering the text and the historical significance of such finds. Cioffi also shares a humorous tale of his attempt to make papyrus at home. The conversation navigates through the complexities of ancient manuscript preservation, the evolution of Greek tragedy, and the excitement of uncovering lost literature that deepens our understanding of classical works.
40:37
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Quick takeaways
- The discovery of Euripides' lost plays on ancient papyrus raises questions about the careful transmission and preservation of cultural manuscripts over time.
- The podcast highlights the ethical implications of archaeological practices today, emphasizing the importance of provenance and cultural heritage in the excavation process.
Deep dives
Discovery of a Remarkable Papyrus
A significant discovery in Egypt involved a clump of papyrus found during an excavation at the cemetery of ancient Philadelphia, about two hours south of Cairo. It was uncovered by archaeologist Heba Adley in November 2022 and contained 97 lines of Euripides, with around 70 lines never before read. The physical appearance of the papyrus resembled discarded sheets of paper, making it difficult to restore as it was not precisely folded or organized. The unexpected nature of the find has led to discussions about its purpose, whether it was an offering, mistakenly discarded, or used for another reason.
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