Your Day in the Ancient Greek World

February 19

February 19 in ancient Greece is represented in our source-audited archive by 2 verified records spanning AD 223 to AD 356. 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. AD 223

    Life on This Day

    Philadelpheia, Arsinoite nome, Roman Egypt Economy & Trade High

    A Black Female Donkey Is Sold for 600 Drachmas

    On February 19, AD 223, Aurelius Dius son of Somphtheus sold a black female donkey for 600 drachmas to Aurelius Aion of Philadelpheia and acknowledged receiving payment.

    Sources

    Primary evidence

    • P.Diog. 28 = British Library Papyrus 2505, TM 10700

    Modern scholarship

    • British Library Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue

    Public links

  2. AD 356

    Event That Shaped History

    Roman Empire, issued from Milan Religion & Ideas High

    Constantius II Orders Capital Punishment for Sacrifice and Cult-Image Worship

    On February 19, AD 356, a constitution issued in the names of Constantius II and Julian Caesar ordered capital punishment for people proved to have performed sacrifice or worshipped cult statues. The receiving magistrate is not preserved.

    Sources

    Primary evidence

    • Codex Theodosianus 16.10.6

    Modern scholarship

    • Journal of Roman Studies, A Legal Exemption for the Temple Cults of Rome and Alexandria in the Fourth Century
    • RELmin critical text

    Public links