Ancient Papyri Showing Correspondence Between Roman Centurions!
Recently, archaeologists from the University of Wrocław made a fascinating discovery of ancient papyri, unveiling the correspondence of Roman centurions stationed in Egypt. These papyri were found in Berenice Troglodytica, an ancient Egyptian seaport on the western shore of the Red Sea. This city, established by Ptolemy II Philadelphus (285–246 BC) and named after his mother Berenice I, played a significant role during the Roman period.
Photo Credit: Instytut Archeologii Uniwersytetu Wrocławskiego
During Roman times, Berenice Troglodytica was a crucial hub for the trade of war elephants and exotic goods imported from India, Sri Lanka, Arabia, and Upper Egypt. Recent excavations of an animal cemetery on the western outskirts of the city revealed a rich collection of ceramics from the Mediterranean, Africa, and India. Alongside these ceramics, the team unearthed Roman coins, a fibula, ostracons (text fragments on ceramics), and several papyri.
Photo Credit: Instytut Archeologii Uniwersytetu Wrocławskiego
The papyri hold the correspondence of centurions named Haosus, Lucinius, and Petronius. Centurions, soldiers promoted to lead a "century" (a military unit of 80 to 100 men), played crucial roles in the Roman military hierarchy. One of the letters found features Petronius asking Lucinius, who was stationed in Berenice Troglodytica, about the prices of various exclusive goods. Petronius writes, "I am giving you the money, I am sending it by dromedarius. Take care of them, provide them with veal and poles for their tents.”
Dr. Marta Osypinska from the University of Wrocław’s Institute of Archaeology highlighted the significance of this discovery: “For Egyptologists and other scientists dealing with antiquity, this is an extremely rare and high-calibre discovery.” She further explained that few Roman period sites exist in this region because the Egyptians left little historical record during their conquest.
This remarkable finding offers a rare glimpse into the daily lives and concerns of Roman centurions in Egypt, shedding light on a little-documented period of Egyptian history.