The oldest known copy of Homer's Odyssey in codex format accompanied the cast of Christopher Nolan's film adaptation during their promotional events before the movie's debut.

The Manchester Odyssey originates from third-century BCE Egypt during the shift from scrolls to bound volumes.

It was transcribed as a codex with folded parchment sheets forming pages. Book numbers inscribed by an ancient Egyptian scribe remain visible on the material.

The preserved sections cover Books 12-15 and Books 18-24.

Books 12-15 describe Odysseus navigating past Scylla and Charybdis, Poseidon's anger toward the Phaeacians for helping Odysseus, his return to Ithaca, and Telemachus coming back from Sparta.

Books 18-24 recount Odysseus reaching the palace, his scheme with Telemachus to remove the suitors' weapons, Penelope's challenge, and the ultimate recognition.

The John Rylands Library noted that the fragments show signs of a second ancient reader who corrected errors and supplied omitted passages.

Preserving The Manchester Odyssey

Efforts to conserve The Manchester Odyssey predate its time at John Rylands Library.

In 1900, Lord Balcarres, then owner of the manuscript, informed his librarian that the center had nearly rotted away due to moisture, according to library records.

To halt further decay of this valuable item, each surviving page was encased between two glass sheets.

Today the John Rylands Library Collection Care team works with University of Manchester colleagues to examine and protect the remaining pieces.

High-resolution digital imaging allows researchers to record the text, surface details, and any parchment damage requiring repair while limiting direct handling.

Sections of the codex are also being documented with Factum Foundation's Selene photometric stereo system.

Conservation receives support from the UK's National Manuscripts Conservation Trust.

Nolan's The Odyssey reached theaters on Friday, July 17.

The cast includes Matt Damon as Odysseus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Tom Holland as Telemachus, and Zendaya as Athena.

Following the conclusion of promotional activities, the parchment manuscript returned to exhibition at The John Rylands Library at the University of Manchester.