Letter of Maximus

Letter of Maximus

The Greek text of this ostrakon reveals a letter from a soldier named Maximus to a female (the term "sister" in the greeting could be meant literally, or as a term of endearment to a friend or spouse). The letter is long and deals with many subjects, but most of the message is concerned with an imminent childbirth. Regardless of the era, events on the homefront are always on the mind of deployed soldiers.
Maximus to Tinarsieges his sister, many greetings and in everything good health. If you are coming to your days of giving birth, write to me so that I may come and perform your delivery, since I do not know your month. I wrote to you in advance for this reason, so that you might also act in advance and write to me so that I would come in the provisions-boat, so that I also might remain with you and perform your delivery. For I advise you that I will wait with you for the birth. If you do not send [word] to me you do me no favor...The man who is bringing you the ostrakon is returning to me; do not neglect to write by way of him...

circa 150 BCE

Greek and Latin Ostraka Collection

Greek

01/MSS 2015-012