Your Day in the Ancient Greek World

March 27

March 27 in ancient Greece is represented in our source-audited archive by 3 verified records spanning 254 BCE to 90 CE. 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. 254 BCE

    Life on This Day

    Arsinoite nome, Ptolemaic Egypt Economy & Trade High

    Zenon Sends Instructions About Olive Trees and Vines

    Zenon writes to Sosus with instructions concerning olive plants and vines.

    Sources

    Primary evidence

    • P.Lond. VII 1972

    Modern scholarship

    • British Library Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue

    Public links

  2. 196 BCE

    Event That Shaped History

    Memphis, Ptolemaic Egypt Politics & Power High

    The Memphis Decree Is Issued

    Egyptian priests issue the Memphis Decree honoring Ptolemy V. A copy preserved on the Rosetta Stone later becomes one of antiquity’s most famous texts.

    Sources

    Primary evidence

    • Memphis Decree, preserved on the Rosetta Stone and parallel copies

    Modern scholarship

    • Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures database and modern Rosetta Stone scholarship

    Public links

  3. 90 CE

    Life on This Day

    Roman Egypt Family & Relationships High

    A Father Plans How Property Will Be Divided

    Stotoetis arranges the division of property among his three sons to take effect after his death.

    Sources

    Primary evidence

    • SB XXII 15705 / P.Lond. II 288 descr.

    Modern scholarship

    • British Library Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue

    Public links