Abstract

Publication of a papyrus sheet from Egypt of the Byzantine or Islamic period, bearing a complex assemblage of ritual designs and Greek text. Through an analysis of this assemblage into its constituents, an interpretation is proposed for the context of its composition, namely continued interest in this later period in the earlier tradition of Greek amulets. Specifically, the compiler may have consulted formularies for, or direct copies of, multiple gem amulets, and as such the papyrus could be situated in a similar context as the amuletic “pattern-book” on a copper plaque recently studied by C.A. Faraone in this journal (2017). An alternative explanation, that of a composite amulet, is also considered.