Papyrological Evidence

Abstract

To achieve a more complete understanding of Graeco-Roman slavery it is increasingly necessary to make use of the large number of papyrological documents which survive from Ptolemaic and Roman Egypt. The chapter begins by defining what is meant by papyrological documentation, providing advice about how to locate the bulk of this documentation and use it correctly. It surveys the types of documents available, outlining the main themes they cover and insights they provide. It then examines certain types of documents which shed particular light on the use and ownership of slaves. Finally, it attempts to characterize the papyrological documentation and considers its relevance to understanding Graeco-Roman slavery outside Egypt.