Interpretationsvorschläge und Bemerkungen zu ptolemäischen Papyri

Abstract This article presents a revised edition of BGU VI 1245 (3rd-2nd century BCE). Previously, the text was understood to be a petition submitted by two or more cleruchs seeking either a reduction of the taxes on their kleros or its exchange. However, the present re-examination suggests that the petitioners were more likely tenants who were obliged to cultivate a possibly confiscated kleros, parts of which were entirely unproductive. The petitioners warn that the collection of tax arrears levied on this unprofitable land would compel them to “strike” through anachoresis. In addition, four further Ptolemaic papyri, P.Tebt. III.1 712, P.Tebt. I 79, P.Tebt. I 102, and SB XXX 17728, are discussed, with specific passages examined and new readings proposed.