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Papyrus as writing material: size and format

The length and widths of papyrus sheets varied over time. 38 to 42 cm sheets are common in the Middle Kingdom (about 2025-1700 BC), 16 to 20 in the New Kingdom (about 1550-1069 BC). Papyrus rolls were often produced to a certain height and than halved. The tallest papyrus is 53.5 cm high and comes from Gurob (see picture at the bottom). Demotic papyri from Saqqara vary in size from 14 to 16 cm.

Gurob papyrus with the drawing of a shrine on it.

UC 27934, papyrus found at Gurob


 

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