Papyri are ancient manuscripts made from the papyrus plant, which was commonly used in Egypt and other Mediterranean regions. These documents were written in ink and often contained texts such as literary works, religious texts, and administrative records. The use of papyrus dates back to around 3000 BCE, making it one of the earliest forms of writing material.
The preservation of papyri has provided valuable insights into ancient cultures, including Ancient Egypt and Greco-Roman civilization. Many papyri have been discovered in archaeological sites, such as Oxyrhynchus, and are crucial for understanding historical languages, social practices, and daily life in ancient times.