Oxyrhynchus Papyrus Fragment with Text of Thucydides

Place of OriginEgypt

Date2nd century

Dimensionsmaximum of larger piece: 9 5/16 × 4 1/16 in. (23.7 × 10.3 cm)
maximum of smaller piece: 3 1/8 × 1 in. (7.9 × 2.5 cm)

MediumIndia ink on papyrus

ClassificationManuscripts

Credit LineGift of Edward Drummond Libbey

Object number

1915.30

Not on View

DescriptionThis papyrus, written in Greek, contains an extant passage (VIII.10) of Book 8 of Thucydides’ History of the Peloponnesian War. This book focuses on the aftermath of the disastrous Sicilian Expedition (415–413 BCE) and the complex political and military developments that follow. It marks a turning point as the war shifts from large battles to more political intrigue, betrayals, and naval maneuvers. The passage contained in this papyrus highlights a battle in 412 BCE. During the Isthmian Games, the Athenians suspect Chian betrayal and act to prevent Peloponnesian ships from leaving Cenchreae. Afterward, 21 Peloponnesian ships sail for Chios but are intercepted by Athenians, leading to a chaotic battle at Spiraeum. The Athenians kill the enemy commander Alcamenes and disable most enemy ships.

Label TextA passage (VIII.10) from Book 8 of Thucydides’ History of the Peloponnesian War, which focuses on the aftermath of the disastrous Sicilian Expedition (415–413 BCE) and the complex political and military developments that follow. It marks a turning point as the war shifts from large battles to more political intrigue, betrayals, and naval maneuvers. The passage contained in this papyrus highlights a battle in 412 BCE, when the Athenians suspected Chian betrayal and acted to prevent Peloponnesian ships from leaving Cenchreae.Published ReferencesGrenfell, Bernard and Arthur S. Hunt, The Oxyrhynchus Papyri, London, 1914, vol. X, pp. 127-129, no. 1247.