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One text, 2 sources · Trismegistos-Text 38247

Letter ordering the release of a detained farmer TM 38247unbekanntVI - VII

The same ancient text or artifact as recorded by 2 records across 2 independent projects, recognised as one entity by its TM-Text identifier. View on Trismegistos →

A letter instructing a subordinate to go with Apa Horouonchios to Apa Nakios and secure the release of a detained farmer who belongs to the writer's estate and lives in the hamlet of Menas the chief physician. The writer waives any claim for damage to the estate, offers surety if needed, and also orders chaff to be moved. Byzantine Egypt, 6th-7th century AD.

In English machine translation

† † If Petros had not come in with the letter of lord Agathemeros, I would not have learned that the detained farmer is ours, living in the hamlet (epoikion) of lord Menas the chief physician. Go, therefore, with the most pious Apa Horouonchios to Apa Nakios and have him released; for no inquiry will be made by me about the damage to the estate, either against the field guards or against Apa Nakios himself, whether he himself is to blame, as they say, or someone else. But if you see that he is reluctant to release him, which I do not believe, stand surety for him and get him released until I come out and meet with him; and have the chaff transferred. For look, I have just now sent 2 baskets. † And if there should be need for you to go […] Leu… the procurator, go. †

An epoikion was a small agricultural settlement attached to a large estate. The 'procurator' (prokourator) was an estate agent or manager; the last line is damaged.

Working translation of the DDbDP edition, made with Claude Opus 5.5 from the edition and the catalogue records shown below. It has not been reviewed by a papyrologist: check the edition before citing. Restorations follow the edition; […] marks lost text and (?) an uncertain reading.

DDbDP-text Full record →

p.lond.3.1032

Papyri.info — DDbDP (Duke Databank of Documentary Papyri) — text · VI - VII

† † εἰ μὴ εἰσῆλθεν Πέτρος μετὰ τῶν γραμμάτων τοῦ κυρίου Ἀγαθημέρου οὐκ ἔμαθον ὅτι ὁ κατεχόμενος γεωργὸς ἡμῶν ἐστιν καταμένων ἐν τῶ ἐποικίῳ τοῦ κυρίου Μηνᾶ τοῦ ἀρχίατρου. ἄπελθε τοίνυν μετὰ τοῦ εὐλαβεστάτου Ἄπα Ὡρουωγχίου πρὸς Ἄπα Νάκιον καὶ ποίησον αὐτὸν ἀπολυθῆναι· οὐδεμία γὰρ ζ…