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ARTEFACT IDENTIFIERS

Artefact ID1586
TM IDTM 31943
Findspot (DEChriM ID)-   ()
ClassTextual
MaterialPapyrus
Writing mediumSheet/roll
Text contentDocumentary
LanguageGreek
Description

P. Gron. 18: Letter from Isaios to Apollonios 
In the first line of this letter (22 x 9 cm), Isaios, presumably a monk or cleric, greets Apollonios with χαῖρε, κύριέ μου [ἀδελφ]έ (line 1). Isaios seems to be a more senior member of the community, remarking on the lack of word he has received from Apollonios and his hope that Apollonios will return soon. After line 16, the right half of the sheet is missing. Apollonios is addressed as ἀδελφέ (line 1, 3, 12) multiple times, and the letter ends with Isaios sending greetings in the name of multiple individuals, [ἀσπάζονται] σε οἱ ἀδελφοὶ (line 23-24).

Selection criteriaMention of Christian individuals/communities, Christian terms/formulas/concepts
Date from250
Date to399
Dating criteria

Palaeography

Absolute/relative dateRelative date
Archaeological context

One of 127 papyri acquired via Wilhelm Schubart from a dealer in Egypt, arriving at the University of Groningen in 1926. This was financed by alumnus Dr J. Enschedé and the ‘Groninger Universiteitsfonds’. Same hand as P. Gron. 17, a letter from Isaios to Herakleios. 

Accession number

Groningen, University Library 15

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Editio princeps
• Roos, Antoon G. 1933. Papyri Groniganae. Griechische Papyri der Universitätsbibliothek zu Groningen. Nebst zwei Papyri der Universitätsbibliothek zu Amsterdam. (Mit 7 Lichtdrucktafeln). Verhandelingen der Koninklijke Akademie van Wetenschappen. Afdeeling Letterkunde Nieuwe Reeks Deel 32. Amsterdam: Noord-Hollandsche Uitgeversmaatschappij. 46-47, No. 18.

Additional bibliography
• Clarysse, Willy. 2020. “The Emergence of God(s) in Private Greek Papyrus Letters.” Ancient Society 50. 129-151: 142n37.
• Naldini, Mario. 1968. Il Cristianesimo in Egitto. Lettere private nei papiri dei secoli II-IV. Firenze: Le Monnier. 144-146, No. 25.

Authors
Victoria G. D. Landau, 2023
Suggested citation
Victoria G. D. Landau, 2023, "Artefact ID 1586", 4CARE database - Fourth-Century Christian Archaeological Record of Egypt, https://4care-skos.mf.no/artefacts/1586
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