Why reuse manuscripts in Late Bronze Age Egypt? An attempt to explain the coexistence of reused and non-reused papyri in Deir el-Medina – On the trail of the neverending manuscript. Comparative perspectives on rewritable media 30-31 May 2023, Naples (original) (raw)

This paper explores the phenomenon of manuscript reuse in Late Bronze Age Egypt, particularly in the context of Deir el-Medina, and discusses the coexistence of reused and non-reused papyri. It argues that the act of rewriting and reusing manuscripts serves practical purposes, such as conserving resources and time, rather than reflecting a deliberate destruction of texts. By examining different cultures and mediums employed for manuscripts, the research highlights the cultural implications and techniques developed for creating 'neverending manuscripts' that allow for continuous writing and erasure.