The oldest discovered human papilloma virus (HPV) infection in an ancient Egyptian mummy testifies that there is still much to unearth in its history. The Graeco-Roman world recognized venereal infections, and its nomenclature is still valid concerning HPV lesions. Western Europeans, eons later, created various theories for HPV evolution. Animal experiments during the 19th century had a profound impact for the understanding of HPV. In the late 20th century the arcinogenic properties of the virus had been clarified. This historical review presents the most important figures and discoveries in HPV research.