Ross S. Kraemer
University of Pennsylvania
Fall 1995

Sampler of Inscriptions Documenting Jews and Judaism in the Greco-Roman Diaspora

CIJ 725 from Rheneia (an island off Delos), dated to the second to first centuries BCE; translation from van der Horst, Ancient Jewish Epitaphs 149.

I call upon and pray to God the Most High, the Lord of the spirits and of all flesh, against those who have teacherously murdered or poisoned the poor Heraclea, who died untimely, and who have unjustly shed her innocent blood; may the same happen to them who have murdered or poisoned her and to their children, Lord, you who see everything, and you, angels of God, for Whom every soul humiliates itself on this day with supplications, (hoping) that you revenge her innocent blood and settle your account with them as soon as possible.

BS II 183. Beth She'arim, second half of the third century CE. Translation from van der Horst, Ancient Jewish Epitaphs 153.

This tomb contains the dwindling remains of Karteria,
preserving forever the illustrious memory of a noble woman.
Zenobia brought her here for burial, fulfilling thus her mother's request.
For you, most blessed of women, your offspring,
whom you bore from your gentle womb, your pious daughter
--for she always does actions praiseworthy in the eyes of mortals --
built this monument, so that even after the end of life's term
both of you may enjoy again new and indestructible riches.

CIJ 523. Latin inscription carved on a sarcophagus, no longer extant. Believed to come from a Jewish catacomb in Rome. Date unknown.
Translation from Leon, The Jews of Ancient Rome, 341.

Veturia Paulla F (?), consigned to her eternal home, who lived 86 years, 6 months, a proselyte of 16 years, named Sara, Mother of the Synagogues of Campus and Volumnius. in peace her sleep.

CIJ 741. Marble plaque from Smyrna (modern Izmir, Turkey). Greek. Probably second century C.E.

Rufina, Ioudaia [Jewish woman/Jewess], head of the synagogue, built this tomb for her freed slaves and the slaved raised in her house. No one else has the right to bury anyone (here). Anyone who dares to do so will pay 1500 denaria to the sacred treasury and 1000 denaria to the Jewish people. A copy of this inscription has been placed in the (public) archives.

CIJ 738. A Greek inscription from Ionia in Asia Minor (Turkey), probably third century C.E. Translation Kraemer, Maenads, Martyrs, Matrons, Monastics: A Sourcebook on Women's Religions in the Greco-Roman World 60.

Tation, daughter of Straton, son of Empedon, having erected the assembly hall and the enclosure of the open courtyard with her own funds, have them as a gift to the Jews. The synagogue of the Jews honored Tation, daughter of Straton, son of Empedon, with a golden crown, and the privilege of sitting in the seat of honor.

CIJ/CPJ 1509 Burial EPITAPH OF HORAIA, WHOSE HUSBAND AND DAUGHTER DIED ONLY DAYS BEFORE HER. Egypt, 1st century B.C.E..

This is the tomb of Horaia, wayfarer. Shed a tear. The daughter of Nikolaos, who was unfortunate in all things in her thirty years. Three of us are here, husband, daughter, and I whom they struck down with grief. (My husband died) on the 3rd, then on the 5th my daughter Eirene, to whom marriage was not granted. I then with no place or joy was laid here after them under the earth on the 7th of Choiak. But stranger, you have dearly all there is to know from us to tell all men of the swiftness of death. In the 10th year, Choiak 7.

CIJ/CPJ 1510. EPITAPH OF A JEWISH WOMAN PROM EGYPT WHO DIED IN CHILDBIRTH. Egypt, 1st century B.C.E

This is the grave of Arsinoe, wayfarer. Stand by and weep for her, unfortunate in all things, whose lot was hard and terrible. For I was bereaved of my mother when I was a little girl, and when the flower of my youth made me ready for a bridegroom, my father married me to Phabeis, and Fate brought me to the end of my life in bearing my firstborn child. I had a small span of years, but great grace flowered in the beauty of my spirit. This grave hides in its bosom my dhaste body, but my soul has flown to the holy ones. Lament for Arsinoe. In the 25th year, Mechir 2.

CIJ/CPJ 1513.EPITAPH OF A JEWISH WOMAN FROM EGYPT. Egypt, 1st century B.C.B.

Citizens and strangers, all weep for Rachelis, chaste, friend of all, about thirty years old. Do not weep vainly empty (tears?) for me. If I did live but a short allotted span, nevertheless I await a good hope of mercy. And Agathokles, about 38 years old.

CIJ/CPJ 1530. EPITAPH OF A JEWISH WOMAN "FROM THE LAND OF ONIAS" IN EGYPT. Egypt, 1st century B.C.E.

The speaking stele
"Who are you who lie in the dark tomb? Tell me your country and birth."
"Arsinoe, daughter of Aline and Theodosios. The famous land of Onias reared me."
"How old were you when you slipped down the dark slope of Lathe?"
"At twenty I went to the sad place of the dead."
"Were you married?"
"I was."
"Did you leave him a child?"
"Childless I went to the house of Hades."
"May earth, the guardian of the dead, be light on you."
"And for you, stranger, may she bear fruitful crops."
In the 16th year, Payni 21. pFad - Phonifier reborn

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