Introduction

The site of Karanis in the Fayum area of Egypt provides an in-depth look into Roman-Egyptian textile production, as more than 3,500 textile fragments were found, many alongside similarly perishable tools used for textile production. Karanis was inhabited from roughly the 3rd to 5th centuries BCE. This predominantly agricultural community necessarily produced most of its own textiles. Recorded taxes on the village included, at least for the year(s) 310-14 CE, twenty-four tunics and eight cloaks.

This exhibit focuses on textile fragments found in Area 249, which is between the northernmost rubbish heaps and the main center of town, as the location with the greatest quantity and also presents various representative tools found in Karanis that would have been used in textile production. From these artifacts it explores the manufacturing and social significance of textiles in Karanis and greater Roman Egypt.