Roman Centurions Leave Mark in Egypt With Papyrus Letters and Pet Cemetery

Polish archaeologists in Berenike have discovered papyruses listing Roman centurions stationed in Egypt, found alongside pottery from Italy, Roman coins, and a distinctive coat buckle, possibly within the remains of a centurion’s office! In addition, they uncovered over 200 additional burials of monkeys, dogs, and cats at a ‘pet cemetery’ dating back to the 1st and 2nd centuries, which revealed an assortment of exclusive ceramics from Italy, the Mediterranean, Africa, and India.

Additionally, there were also several Roman coins and a fibula—a common cloak fastener used by legionaries. The site yielded ostraca (text fragments on pottery) and, most significantly, several papyri.

Berenike: A Tryst With Roman Rule

“For Egyptologists and other scholars of Antiquity, this is an extremely rare and significant discovery. There are very few sites from the Roman period in this part of the world. The Egyptians do not promote this era of history, among other reasons, because it is the time when they were conquered. On the other hand, the range of these discoveries is truly phenomenal”, explained Dr. Marta Osypińska from the Institute of Archaeology at the University of Wrocław to LBV Magazine.

The papyri were discovered in Berenice Troglodytica, an ancient seaport on the western shore of the Red Sea. The city was founded by Ptolemy II Philadelphus (285–246 BC) and named after his mother, Berenice I of Egypt. During the Roman period, Berenice Troglodytica served as a key waystation for the trade of war elephants and exotic goods imported from India, Sri Lanka, Arabia, and Upper Egypt.

Archaeologist on the site at Berenice, in Egypt. (Instytut Archeologii Uniwersytetu Wrocławskiego)

“For Egyptologists and other scholars of antiquity, this is an extremely rare and high-caliber discovery. There are very few sites from the Roman period in this part of the world. On the other hand, the rank of these discoveries is truly phenomenal,” says Professor Marta Osypińska from the Institute of Archaeology of the University of Wrocław.

The ancient port was established by Emperor Tiberius shortly after the Roman Empire annexed Egypt. Archaeologists have long suspected that the Third Cyrenaica Legion, known for pacifying the famous revolt in Jerusalem in 70 AD, was stationed in Berenike.

The papyri found at the site include letters from centurions or commanders of Roman legions. Centurions were soldiers who were promoted to command a centuria or “century”, a military unit consisting of 80 to 100 men. The correspondence features names such as Haosus, Lucinius, and Petronius, reports The Heritage Daily.

“In this correspondence, Petronius asks Lucinius, stationed in Berenice, about the prices of certain exclusive goods. There is also a statement: I give you the money, I send them with dromedarius (a troop of legionaries who move on dromedaries). Take care of them, so that they are provided with calves and tent poles,” explained Dr. Marta.

Securing the Papyri

The papyri have now been secured, as the team awaited the arrival of Professor Rodney Asta, the head of the Institute of Papyrology at the University of Heidelberg, along with his wife. Upon their arrival, they worked together to assemble a puzzle measuring half a meter (1.64 ft) long and 30 cm (11.81 in) wide from these small rolls. After covering them with glass to facilitate expansion, they successfully pieced together several letters. Presently, the texts are undergoing thorough examination!

The animal burial ground at Berenike, where the Roman Centurions letters were discovered. (Instytut Archeologii Uniwersytetu Wrocławskiego)

The animal cemetery where the papyri were discovered is situated in the western outskirts of Berenike. Previously, the site primarily yielded ostraca, which Dr. Osypińska describes as highly sought after by philologists and epigraphers. According to researchers, the findings likely originate from the centurion’s office or residence, which was likely situated near the cemetery. Over the years, as this area was leveled, traces of legionary presence were mechanically incorporated into the animal cemetery.

Top image: One of the text from Roman centurions.        Source: K. Braulińska/PAP

By Sahir Pandey