A Prodigal Son
Here we find a sorry tale of Antonius and his mother. It’s not clear what he did to find himself so out of favor, but it’s safe to say that he is now very, very sorry for having done it.
These fascinating snapshots of ancient life demonstrate that life in 2nd Century Faiyum, Egypt was as full of the same complicated nuances of interpersonal relationships that we all experience, even today.
Antonius Longus to Nilous his mother, very many greetings. I pray always for your health; every day I make supplication for you before the lord Serapis. I would have you know that I did not expect that you were going up to the metropolis; for that reason I did not come to the city myself. I was ashamed to come to Karanis, because I go about in filth. I wrote to you that I am naked. I beg you, mother, be reconciled to me. Well, I know what I have brought on myself. I have received a fitting lesson. I know that I have sinned. I heard from . . . who found you in the Arsinoite nome, and he has told you everything correctly. Do you not know that I would rather be maimed than feel that I still owe a man an obol?….
The rest, like Antonius, is lost.
(Berlin Papyrus No. 846)