A contract from Hermopolis, dated 8 November 614, in which the vinedresser Aurelius Abraamios acknowledges receiving in advance from the illustrious Flavius Victor the full price of 120 measures of wine. He promises to deliver new wine in Mesore of the next indiction, to replace any that turns sour by Tybi, and to pay 2 gold solidi if he defaults.
In English machine translation
[recto]
† In the name of the holy and life-giving Trinity, Father and Son and Holy Spirit, in the reign of our most divine master Flavius Heraclius the eternal Augustus and Emperor, year four, Hathyr twelfth, of the third indiction.
† To Flavius Victor, the most illustrious, son of Kyros of most excellent memory, from the city of the Hermopolites, Aurelius Abraamios son of Andreas, his mother being Ka…s, vinedresser from the locality of Pik…nios of the Hermopolite nome, greetings. I acknowledge that I have received and been paid in full by you the complete price of 120 measures of wine, total 120 measures of wine, which I will deliver to you in the month of Mesore of the coming, God willing, fourth indiction, in new wine of the finest quality and acceptable, by the measure of your jar; and if any of it should be found to be vinegar or undrinkable or smelling sour by the month of Tybi of the same indiction, I agree to exchange it for you for good wine without delay; but if […] the appointed term, I will pay 2 gold solidi at my own risk and from the resources of my property. This present document is valid and secure, and having been asked the formal question I have agreed.
I, Aurelius Abraamios son of Andreas, the aforesaid, have made this document as stated above. I, Aurelius P[…] son of Victor, from Hermopolis, wrote on his behalf since he does not know letters.
† I, Aurelius Basileios son of Kollouthos, from Hermopolis, witness the document, having heard it from the party who made it […].
I, Vik[…] […], witness the document, having heard it from the party who made it.
Executed through me, Ioannes […], notary […].
[verso]
† Signed bond for 120 measures of wine, made by Abraamios son of Andreas, vinedresser from the hamlet of Pik…nios of the Hermopolite nome.
This is a sale with advance payment: the buyer paid the price at once and delivery was due at the next vintage. The 2 solidi clause is a penalty for default, but the exact wording before it is damaged.
Working translation of the DDbDP edition, made with Claude Opus 5.5 from the edition and the catalogue records shown below (catalogued as Kauf von Wein gegen Vorauszahlung). It has not been reviewed by a papyrologist: check the edition before citing. Restorations follow the edition; […] marks lost text and (?) an uncertain reading.