Talk: R. Mazza, A new Christian amulet from the John Rylands 'Greek Additional' papyri

Tomorrow, first public presentation of the new amulet:


Roberta Mazza (Manchester)


A new Christian amulet from the John Rylands 'Greek Additional' papyri


THURSDAY 17.10.2013, 1 PM


Garstang Museum of Archaeology



Abstract: P.Ryl Add 1166 (provenance unknown, 5th/6th century AD) is a Christian amulet written recycling the back of a Byzantine document. It presents an interesting, unparalleled combination of lines from Psalms, Gospels and other Christian texts that seem to be cited by heart rather than copied. This presentation will discuss the material aspect of the amulet, including the results of multispectral imaging of the back, and will address wider issues concerning Christians’ attitudes to their Scriptures and the relationship between religion and magic in Late Antiquity.