OPES – Oslo Papyri Electronic System

Background and Physical Properties

Material:

Papyrus

Connections:

–

Size:

31.8 x 8.8 cm.

Lines:

Recto: 26;Verso: 1

Publication side:

Recto; Verso address

Palaeographic description:

Written in an elegant Byzantine hand, with only a few orthographic faults. If the letter was not written by a scribe (which seems improbable) the writer must have been an educated man.

State of preservation:

–

Content

Date:

IVth/Vth century A.D.

Origin:

Unknown place, province of Egypt

Language:

Greek

Genre:

Documentary

Author:

Martyrios

Title / Type of text:

Private letter

Content:

Letter from Martyrios to his daughter Susanna informing her that her mother has become unwell, and requesting the daughter to come visit them.

Subjects:

Letter Family Health

Named people:

Susanna, daughter of Martyrios Martyrios Antoninus

Named places:

–

English translation:

To the lady my daughter Susanna from Martyrios your father. Since you sent us your letter your mother has become unwell and she could not come to you, nor had I time to come again. I have in fact written you another letter that you should come. Hurry then, when you receive this letter, you must come at once, with your husband, since your mother is very ill and wants to see you. Many greetings to my dear Antoninus and his mother and to you all. I pray for your health, dear daughter.Verso:To the lady my daughter Susanna.Martyrios your father.

Provenance:

Unknown place, province of Egypt

Acquisition:

Acquired by Eitrem in Egypt., March 1936

Acquisition year:

–

Editions

• Eliassen M H de Kat, SO 50, 1975, 81-83
  SB: XIV 11437
  ▾ Corrections:

  • Hagedorn D, ZPE 68 (1987) p. 81 (l. 4, 9f., 13-14, 24)

Further Literature

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