Private Letter
Letter from Valerius Gemellus to his brother Valerius [---], seeking to compose a disagreement which has arisen between him and his brother
One text, 3 sources · Trismegistos-Text 27112
Letter from Valerius Gemellus seeking reconciliation with his brother TM 27112Koptos, Koptite nome, province of EgyptIInd century A.D.
The same ancient text or artifact as recorded by 3 records across 3 independent projects, recognised as one entity by its TM-Text identifier. View on Trismegistos →
A private letter from Valerius Gemellus, apparently serving in the army and living away from home, to his brother Valerius, begging him to be reconciled after a quarrel and to write about his health. He mentions praying for him at Koptos and sends thanks to his sister Thermoutharion.
In English machine translation
Epeiph […]
Valerius Gemellus to Valerius […], very many greetings. Before all else I pray [that you are in good health], making obeisance for you unceasingly before the Tresses (?) in Koptos. I ask [you to write to me], and the gods ask you the same. If indeed […] I do not know you (?), you ought to forgive me [this one thing only]. Be persuaded, brother, be reconciled with me, so that [I may enjoy] your frankness [even in] the army. Henceforth [did you not hold me] any longer as a brother since I went abroad? [But I hold you like] a holy brother, like Sarapis.
Above all, [there is no other] hope like the frankness of brothers [and] of one's own family. So do not do otherwise, but let me know about your welfare, and persuade our mother. [You will do well] to write to me as I asked you. I pray [for your health].
Before all I give thanks to my sister [and] lady Thermoutharion before the gods and […] your welfare. Greet Isa[…]
Farewell.
The "tresses" (trichomata) at Koptos probably refer to the locks of Isis venerated there as a relic. Much of the right side is restored, so the exact wording of the appeal is uncertain.
Working translation of the DDbDP edition, made with Claude Opus 5.5 from the edition and the catalogue records shown below (catalogued as Gemellus to his Brother). It has not been reviewed by a papyrologist: check the edition before citing. Restorations follow the edition; […] marks lost text and (?) an uncertain reading.
p.mich.8.502
Ἐπεὶφ […] Οὐαλέριος Γέμελλος Οὐαλερίῳ […] πλεῖστα χαίρειν. πρὸ παντὸς ὑγιαίνειν σε εὔχομαι καὶ τὸ προσκύνημά σου ἀδιαλείπτως ποιούμενος παρὰ τοῖς τριχώμασι ἐν Κοπτῷ. ἐρωτῶ σε γράψαι μοι καὶ οἱ θεοί σε τὸ αὐτὸ ἐρωτῶσι. εἴπερ …[…] σε ἀγνοῶ ὀφείλεις μοι συνχωρεῖν τοῦτο μόνον. παρακλ…