Your Day in the Ancient Greek World

September 9

September 9 in ancient Greece is represented in our source-audited archive by 2 verified records spanning AD 138 to AD 520. 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 138

    Life on This Day

    Philadelphia, Arsinoite nome, Roman Egypt Society & Daily Life High

    Egyptian Weavers Are Paid to Make Clothing for Soldiers in Cappadocia

    On September 9, AD 138, a Greek papyrus from Philadelphia in the Fayum recorded a 148-drachma advance for textiles ordered for military use in Cappadocia. The document specifies the garments, their quality and their delivery requirements. It preserves an unusually detailed view of how provincial textile production in Egypt fed the logistical needs of Roman troops far to the north.

    Sources

    Primary evidence

    • BGU VII 1564

    Modern scholarship

    • Berlin Papyrus Database
    • Academic study of military textile supply in Roman Egypt

    Public links

  2. AD 520

    Event That Shaped History

    Constantinople Diplomacy High

    Constantinople Urges Rome to Take a Milder Approach to Eastern Dissent

    On September 9, AD 520, Emperor Justin I, Justinian and Patriarch Epiphanius sent correspondence to Pope Hormisdas during continuing efforts to stabilize relations between Rome and the eastern churches. The letters describe resistance in parts of the East and argue for a milder approach toward those who had not fully accepted the post-schism settlement. The exchange shows Constantinople trying to balance religious reunion with political realities across the eastern provinces.

    Sources

    Primary evidence

    • Correspondence of Justin I, Justinian and Patriarch Epiphanius to Pope Hormisdas

    Modern scholarship

    • A. A. Vasiliev, Justin the First
    • Modern scholarship on Justinian and the Hormisdas correspondence

    Public links