Enquête bibliologique et paléographique sur le papyrus des Perses de Timothée de Milet (PBEROL INV 9875)

In this paper, we aim to provide a codicological and palaeographical analysis of the P. Berol. inv. 9875, known as the papyrus containing the Persians of Timotheus of Miletus. A complete description of the layout aids our understanding of the organisation of the papyrus which, consequently, allows us to postulate that the disposition of the textual lines reflects a possible metrical unity. The analysis of the script and its comparison with other Greek papyri from the classical and early Hellenistic period enable a more precise dating, the first half of the 4th century BC. Understanding the ductus of each alphabetical letter also provides a clearer reading of the text. Furthermore, the study of the paratextual elements clarifies their function and situates them in the continuity of scribal practices. Finally, this paper offers some new research perspectives with regard to the metrical analysis of Greek lyric poetry on papyri.