Your Day in the Ancient Greek World

September 21

September 21 in ancient Greece is represented in our source-audited archive by one verified record dated 254 BC. The entry below connects this calendar date with its surviving historical evidence and context.

Across the centuries

On This Day

  1. 254 BC

    Life on This Day

    Arsinoite nome, Ptolemaic Egypt Exploration & Trade High

    Zenon Is Told to Arrange Transport for Bosporan Ambassadors and Delegates from Argos

    On September 21, 254 BC, Apollonius wrote to Zenon ordering him to arrange transport for ambassadors of Pairisades II, king of the Bosporus, together with delegates from Argos who were touring the Arsinoite nome. Zenon was to provide conveyances and baggage animals to meet them at Ptolemais. The letter offers a vivid snapshot of diplomacy, tourism and travel logistics across the Hellenistic Greek world.

    Sources

    Primary evidence

    • P.Lond. VII 1973 = SB III 7263 = TM 1536

    Modern scholarship

    • British Library catalogue record
    • Modern scholarship discussing Argive theoroi in the Fayum

    Public links