Minutes of a hearing before the strategos on a land dispute TM 17716Hermopolis24. Juli 321

In the consulship of our lords Licinius Augustus for the 6th time and Licinius the most illustrious Caesar for the 2nd time. Copy of the minutes of Sostratos Aelianus, strategos or exactor of the Hermopolite nome. Epeiph 30, at the northern gate leading to the public road. […] Theophanes, gymnasiarch, councillor of Hermopolis, said: "In my absence Adelphios the proedros used summonses against my son Anysios, wishing to be able to bring a suit against him concerning arouras. It was ordered by the excellency of the lord the most eminent prefect that, having submitted petitions to your diligence, […], as I think, today is the appointed day. But the land is not Anysios', but his mother's, as indeed the sale proves […]. I, being her husband and holding power of attorney for her person, therefore take up the case with pleas of exception, the person being subject […] because it is not permitted to him to bring suit against the mother without a summons. Even if our rights to the arouras are especially strong, this very document which I submit will show it." Sostratos said to him: "I would have heard the case, summoning Adelphios, if my journey to the aforementioned most eminent prefect were not pressing me. I see that you have caught me at the very gates, setting out on the road; therefore, since it is not possible to abandon the summons, the second period will be granted for the arbitration." Theophanes said: "What arbitration? Adelphios now has a suit against Anysios […] and not against the mother, but it is not permitted to him to bring it against her without the permission under the edict." The strategos said: "[…] plea of exception […] you may be able to make use of […] of the second period […]"