Chester Beatty Papyri

The Chester Beatty Papyri are a collection of about 250 ancient manuscripts, mostly texts from the Bible and early Christian writings, dating from the 2nd to 4th centuries AD. Discovered in Egypt in the 20th century, these papyri are written on papyrus scrolls and fragments, providing valuable insight into early biblical texts and Christian history. They are named after the art collector Sir Alfred Chester Beatty, who helped acquire and preserve them. These manuscripts are important for understanding how early Christian scriptures evolved and circulated.