Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (4.1992(1993))

Of about 10 fragments of other papyri found at site B, the
piece P. Naqlun inv. 28/92 deserves a closer look. It is the
bottom part of a sheet (dimensions of preserved fragment: 23.7
x 7.2 cm) which has the end clause of a contract. In the preserved
fragment a penalty is referred to (npoonpov), presumably for
a breach of contract. What is surprising is the sum of this penalty
to be paid by either part in case of breach of contract: an
exorbitant 12 solidi. Unfortunately, we have no idea what the
contract concerned and what was its nature. Following the phrase
establishing the sum of the penalty the witnesses are mentioned
(including deacons). The text ends with three crosses. Since the
notary is not signed onto this contract, this would indicate that P.
Naqlun inv. 28/92 was a rough draft of the contract or perhaps
a copy made for one of the parts (although it should be remem-
bered that copies of contracts were also made in the notary's
office and so should bear his subscription). P. Naqlun inv. 28/92
is written in an exact and proficient hand with evident features of
the chancellery cursive of the 6th century.
In sector B a clean papyrus card in excellent condition was
also found (31.5 x 29.0 cm).
This brief review of the papyri discovered at Naqlun in
1992 should end with P. Naqlun inv. 41/92. It is the first piece
of a Greek document found in sector D. The papyrus is con-
siderably damaged and only on one fragment of it (12 x 9.5 cm)
it is possible to decipher a few signs and symbols. The document
might have been a list of land compiled according to category
(&p7t(e)A(tx6v), a vineyard, is mentioned. The papyrus was
written in an elegant and proficient "official" hand, with clearly
developed features of the minuscule allowing it to be dated to the
7th century.

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