Bernard Pyne Grenfell | |
|---|---|
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| Born | 16 December 1869  Birmingham |
| Died | 18 May 1926 (aged 56) Oxford |
| Occupation | Egyptologist,papyrologist, classical philologist |
Bernard Pyne GrenfellFBA (16 December 1869 – 18 May 1926) was an English scientist andegyptologist. Excavations he did withArthur Surridge Hunt uncovered manuscripts including the oldestOxyrhynchus Papyri.
Grenfell was the son of John Granville Grenfell FGS andAlice Grenfell. He was born inBirmingham and brought up and educated atClifton College in Bristol, where his father taught. He obtained a scholarship in 1888 and enrolled atThe Queen's College, Oxford.[1]
With his friend and colleague,Arthur Surridge Hunt, he took part in the archaeological dig ofOxyrhynchus and discovered many ancient manuscripts known as theOxyrhynchus Papyri, including some of the oldest known copies of theNew Testament and theSeptuagint. Other notable finds are extensive, including previously unknown works by known classical authors. The majority of the find consists of thousands of documentary texts. Parabiblical material, such as copies of the "Logia (words) of Jesus" were also found.
In 1895, Grenfell and Hunt were the first archaeologists to explore the site ofKaranis (present Kom Aushim) inFayum.
His mother,Alice Grenfell, was living with him after his father died in 1897. She took a great interest inEgyptian Scarab shaped artifacts. She taught herself to readhieroglyphics. She published her own papers and a catalogue of the scarab collection belonging to Queen's College.[1]
In 1908, he became professor ofpapyrology atOxford and was part of the editing team ofThe Oxyrynchus Papyri and other similar works. However he was ill for four years and during that time the professorship lapsed. Grenfell was cared for by his mother and he had recovered by 1913.[1] In 1920 he travelled to Egypt for the last time in his life and boughtP.Ryl. III 457 (𝔓52), theearliest surviving witness of theGreek New Testament.
He died on 18 May 1926, and was buried inHolywell Cemetery, Oxford.[2]
