Note: The abbreviation “PGM” refers to Papyri Graecae Magicae = Greek Magical Papyri.
Overview
PGM III is an ancient magic scroll from Egypt dated to the 4th century. The papyrus is preserved in four larger pieces and 29 smaller fragments. The four major pieces measure ~27 cm x 103 cm + 34,5 cm + 19,5 cm + 19 cm.
PGM III is also known as “Papyrus Mimaut”, named after its previous owner. The scroll is kept at the Musée du Louvre, Département des Antiquités égyptiennes, inventory number N 2391 (Mimaut n°541).
Content
PGM III is inscribed on both sides with 731 lines predominantly written in Greek, but lines 347 ff. and 633 ff. were written in Coptic. The manual contains 15 instructions focusing on foreknowledge and revelation, including two memory spells.
Translations
Karl Preisendanz, Papyri Graecae Magicae – Die griechischen Zauberpapyri, Band II (1931), 30-63.
Free download: https://digi.ub.uni-heidelberg.de/diglit/heidhs3763IIA-51bd1
Hans Dieter Betz (ed.), The Greek Magical Papyri in Translation (1986), 18-36.
Infographics
Photographs © 2012 Musée du Louvre / Georges Poncet (Link to the Terms of Use: https://collections.louvre.fr/en/page/cgu)
Infographics: © Kirsten D. Dzwiza @antikemagie
Link
Link to the papyrus on the website of the Louvre Museum:
https://collections.louvre.fr/en/ark:/53355/cl010001517