Material: Papyrus
Date: 3rd-4th century A.D.
Dimensions: H: 33 cm, L: 233 cm
Findspot: Egypt
Current Location: British Library, Lodon, Papyrus London 46
PGM VII comprises the most comprehensive ritual collection among the Greek magical papyri. It is dated to the third and fourth century and was found in Egypt, the exact findspot is unknown.
The scroll measures about 2.33 meters in length and 33 cm in hight and is inscribed on both sides with over 1.000 lines in Greek. It was cut into three parts in modern times.
The papyrus comprises a total of 67 rituals accompanied by additonal information, like good and bad times for a ritual performance. In addition, PGM VII contains an extensive dice-based Homer oracle providing 216 answers related to the number that is cast with three dice as well as various non-magical recipes. In some cases the individual content has been separated by beautifully decorated lines.
The ritual instructions preserved in PGM VII are focused on three main areas: divination, love, and healing. They are supplemented by victory, protective amulets, and binding spells for various purposes.
Today the papyrus is kept in the British Library in London with the inventory number “Papyrus London 121”.
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