Covering letter to a royal decree ordering its public posting TM 977112Memphites (?)1. Hälfte II v.Chr. (?)

Fragment of an official covering letter that accompanied a royal decree, instructing the recipient to post it publicly in the metropolis and the most prominent villages in Greek and Egyptian script. It apparently concerns benefits for people returning home, including allotments and equipment for farmers, and mentions an inspection of draught animals. Probably from the Memphite nome, first half of the 2nd century BC.

In English machine translation

'Native letters' means Egyptian (demotic) script; the measures appear to resemble an amnesty encouraging those who had fled to return to their home towns. Philanthropa is the technical term for royal grants of indulgence.

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