Your Day in the Ancient Greek World

November 18

November 18 in ancient Greece is represented in our source-audited archive by 2 verified records spanning 251 BC to 139 BC. 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. 251 BC

    Life on This Day

    Ptolemaic Egypt Exploration & Trade High

    An Official Letter Gives Instructions for Transporting Grain

    On November 18, 251 BC, a Greek official letter preserved instructions connected with the transport of grain. The surviving papyrus is fragmentary, but the administrative subject and date are recoverable.

    Sources

    Primary evidence

    • Papyrus 501; P.Petr. I 25(2) = P.Petr. III 126 = P.Lond. III 501 descr. = TM 7594

    Modern scholarship

    • British Library Archives and Manuscripts catalogue

    Public links

  2. 139 BC

    Life on This Day

    Pathyris, Upper Egypt, Ptolemaic kingdom Religion & Ideas High

    Goods Deposited in a Temple Are Inventoried

    On November 18, 139 BC, a Greek list inventoried goods deposited in a temple at Pathyris. The surviving items include containers and a sealed jar, preserving a compact record of objects placed under temple custody.

    Sources

    Primary evidence

    • Papyrus 609; P.Dryton 37 = P.Grenf. I 14 = P.Lond. III 609 descr. = TM 250

    Modern scholarship

    • British Library Archives and Manuscripts catalogue

    Public links