Your Day in the Ancient Greek World

February 24

February 24 in ancient Greece is represented in our source-audited archive by 2 verified records spanning 12 BCE to AD 303. Together, the entries below connect this calendar date with different moments in the ancient Greek world through historical and documentary evidence.

Across the centuries

On This Day

  1. 12 BCE

    Life on This Day

    Alexandria, Roman Egypt Economy & Trade High

    A Woman Confirms Repayment of a 220-Drachma Loan

    On February 24, 12 BCE, Isidora daughter of Apollonios, represented by her brother Isidoros, confirmed that Hermias had repaid a 220-drachma loan with interest. Two title deeds pledged as security were returned.

    Sources

    Primary evidence

    • BGU IV 1167 II = Berlin Papyrus P 13127 recto text 4, TM 18618

    Modern scholarship

    • Berlin Papyrus Database

    Public links

  2. AD 303

    Event That Shaped History

    Nicomedia, Bithynia Religion & Ideas High

    Diocletian’s First Persecution Edict Is Published at Nicomedia

    On February 24, AD 303, the first imperial edict of the Great Persecution was posted at Nicomedia. Surviving accounts indicate that it ordered churches destroyed and scriptures burned while stripping Christians of legal and social protections.

    Sources

    Primary evidence

    • Lactantius, De Mortibus Persecutorum 13
    • Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History VIII.2

    Modern scholarship

    • Stephen Mitchell, Maximinus and the Christians in A.D. 312: A New Latin Inscription
    • Jonathan Bardill, Constantine, Divine Emperor of the Christian Golden Age

    Public links