One text, 2 sources · Trismegistos-Text 47208
Letter from Proklos to Tryphon on behalf of Isidoros, compelled to farm estate land TM 47208From PhiladelphiaFebruary 19, 6 CE
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 of recommendation from Proklos to Tryphon on behalf of Isidoros, a member of Proklos' household from Psophthis in the Memphite nome. Tryphon's men had forced Isidoros to sign an undertaking to cultivate 5 1/2 arouras of Livia's estate land near Philadelphia, and Proklos asks that he be left alone and the document returned. Dated 19 February AD 6.
In English machine translation
Proklos to his dearest Tryphon, very many greetings.
Isidoros, who is delivering this letter to you, is of my household; by origin he is from the village of Psophthis in the Memphite nome, and he pays the poll tax there and his other dues. Having been detained by your people, he was compelled to give a written undertaking to sow 5 1/2 arouras near the village of Philadelphia from the revenue land of Livia. I ask you therefore, also out of regard for me, if you have any remembrance of my friendship, keep him free from harassment and see to it that the written undertaking is returned to him. By doing this you will have done me a favour.
Farewell. Year 35 of Caesar, Mecheir 25.
The land belonged to the revenue estate of Livia, wife of Augustus; such estates often pressed local people into compulsory cultivation. Year 35 of Caesar refers to the reign of Augustus.
Working translation of the DDbDP edition, made with Claude Opus 5.5 from the edition and the catalogue records shown below (catalogued as Letter of introduction). 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.nyu.2.18
Πρόκλος Τρύφωνι τῶι φιλτάτῳ πλεῖστα χαίρειν. Ἰσίδωρος ὁ ἀποδιδούς σοι τὴν ἐπιστολὴν ἐστίν μου ἐκ τῆς οἰκίας, ἐστὶν δὲ τῶι γένει ἀπὸ κώμης Ψώφθεως τοῦ Μεμφίτου καὶ τὴν λαογραφίαν ἐκεῖ τελεῖ καὶ τἄλλα καθήκοντα. ὑπὸ δὲ τῶν παρὰ σοῦ συνσχεθεὶς ἠναγκάσθη προέσθαι χειρογραφίαν ὑπὲρ το…