How 99% of Ancient Literature was Lost

Summary

This script explores the evolution of writing mediums, highlighting the significance of the papyrus scroll in ancient times. It discusses the durability and versatility of papyrus, its role in the proliferation of literature, and the vast libraries of Rome and Alexandria. The narrative also touches on the challenges of manuscript preservation, the transition from scrolls to codices, and the impact of script changes on the survival of texts. The script concludes with a note on the fragility of texts before the advent of printing and a brief mention of the video's sponsor, Proform Technologies.

Takeaways

• 📜 The papyrus scroll was a significant innovation in ancient times, providing a durable writing surface made from the papyrus reed native to the Nile Delta.
• 📚 Scrolls varied greatly in size, with lengths ranging from 10 feet to over 80 feet, and were often wrapped around wooden or ivory rods for identification.
• 🎨 Scientific works and deluxe editions of literary classics were often illustrated, showcasing the importance of visual representation in ancient texts.
• 📦 Papyrus quality varied from polished 'royal' sheets for sacred texts to rough scraps used for everyday packaging in Roman markets.
• 📚 The production of books was extensive, with some scholars like Didymus writing thousands of books, highlighting the extensive literary culture of the time.
• 🏛️ Rome had a thriving book market with public libraries and private collections, indicating a widespread appreciation for literature and knowledge.
• 🔥 The Library of Alexandria was renowned for its vast collection, with estimates ranging from 400,000 to 700,000 scrolls, emphasizing its role as a center of learning.
• 🗑️ The loss of ancient literature was not due to a single event but the inherent fragility of texts before the advent of printing, leading to a gradual decline in manuscript numbers.
• 📝 The transition from scrolls to codices, or the early form of books, was a significant shift in text preservation, with codices eventually replacing scrolls in the third and fourth centuries.
• 📝 The adoption of cursive handwriting in the ninth century facilitated easier copying and reading, leading to the obsolescence of texts not adapted to the new script.
• 🏰 The survival of ancient texts was often precarious, with many works known to us today through a single surviving copy, highlighting the vulnerability of historical knowledge.

Q & A

What was the significance of the papyrus scroll in the history of writing?

The papyrus scroll was significant as it was one of the earliest forms of a writing surface, made from the fibrous inner pith of the papyrus reed native to the Nile Delta. It allowed for the creation of a smooth and durable surface for writing, which was a precursor to later innovations like the typewriter, printing press, and digital revolution.

What is the average height of a papyrus scroll, and how variable was its length?

The average height of a papyrus scroll was about 10 inches (or 25 cm). The length, however, could vary greatly, ranging from 10 feet to more than 80 feet, which is approximately from 3 to 25 meters.

How was text typically written on a papyrus scroll?

Text on a papyrus scroll was written as a continuous string of capital letters, with only cursory attempts at punctuation. This style was common for both Greek and Latin texts.

Can you provide an example of an illustrated papyrus scroll?

The Vienna Dioscorides manuscript, a scientific work, and the Vatican Virgil, a deluxe edition of a literary classic, are examples of papyrus scrolls that were illustrated.

What were the different grades of papyrus and how were they used?

Papyrus came in many grades, from the polished 'royal' sheets used for sacred texts to the rough scraps that were used for wrapping items like fish and chickpeas in Roman markets.

How did the production of papyrus scrolls contribute to the creation of a large number of books in the premodern era?

Good papyrus was affordable and abundant enough to fuel the production of a large number of books by premodern standards. The extant works of Roman doctor Galen, for example, comprise more than three million words, and scholar Didymus wrote over 2,000 books.

What was the role of the Roman book market in the proliferation of books?

The Roman book market was thriving, with dozens of sellers producing new editions and sponsoring author readings to attract customers. This market contributed to the wide availability and diversity of books.

How did the city of Rome demonstrate its commitment to literature and knowledge?

By late antiquity, Rome had 28 major public libraries, showcasing its commitment to literature and knowledge. Most substantial provincial cities also had at least one library.

What was the estimated number of scrolls in the Library of Alexandria, according to one Byzantine scholar?

One Byzantine scholar estimated that the Library of Alexandria contained 400,000 books with multiple works, 90,000 devoted to a single work, and an additional 42,800 outside the main complex, totaling 532,800 scrolls.

Why was the loss of ancient literature not solely attributed to the destruction of the Library of Alexandria?

The loss of ancient literature was not solely due to the destruction of the Library of Alexandria because it was a consequence of the basic fragility of texts before the advent of printing, which made them susceptible to decay and loss over time.

What technological change in the ninth century affected the survival of manuscripts?

In the ninth century, ancient scripts in both Greek and Latin were replaced by cursive hands that facilitated copying and reading. This change meant that texts not reproduced in the new minuscule scripts were often forgotten and did not survive.

How did the decline of the Roman Empire impact the production and preservation of manuscripts?

The decline of the Roman Empire led to the disappearance of the elite who traditionally commissioned new copies of manuscripts. This resulted in fewer manuscripts being produced, and those that were made often served specific purposes like religion, education, and technical disciplines, leading to the loss of many other texts.