Title: P. Mert. II 81: On oracular inquiry and shady business. A re-edition with a new translation
Author: Constantinos Balamoshev
Publication year: 2025
Pages: 1–15
DOI:
Abstract: The article presents a new edition and translation of P. Mert. II 81, offering textual corrections based on available high-resolution images. The palimpsest document is a letter from Epoeris to Demetrios (whom she calls ‘son’, most likely in an affectionate, non-literal sense) discussing a dispute involving a priest. Epoeris relates she has been engaging in persistent oracular consultations seeking divine guidance for Demetrios, which demonstrates how oracles were used in everyday decision-making in Roman Egypt. The letter provides insights into kinship terminology, social relationships, and ritual practices. The newly restored text clarifies episodes of family negotiation, possibly personal debt, and the handling of sensitive affairs through temple oracles.
Keywords: oracular inquiry, Roman Egypt, private letters, kinship terminology, documentary papyri, palimpsest, family relationships.
