Oxyrhynchus was an ancient city located in Egypt, near the Nile River. It was known for its significant role during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. The city was named after the oxyrhynchus fish, which was common in the Nile. Oxyrhynchus was a center of culture and learning, famous for its large collection of papyrus manuscripts.
The discovery of the Oxyrhynchus Papyri in the late 19th century revealed a wealth of historical texts, including literary works, administrative documents, and early Christian writings. These findings have provided valuable insights into daily life, language, and society in ancient Egypt.