Psenamosis (Delta region, Egypt — Pleiades map), 67 and 64 BCE
AGRW 287 = GRA III 160 = IDelta I 446 = PHI 228299 = AGRW ID# 668
Copenhagen Inventory info: 38

For good fortune!  Year 15, the 21st of Thoth. At the assembly (synagogē) of fellow-farmers (sug­georgoi) who hold the property around Psenamosis in the nome of Berenike, after discussions concerning other things it was resolved that: whereas Paris, the kinsman (of the king) who conducted himself in a generous way towards the synod (synodos) and has received everyone kindly, collectively and individually, and who had some empty land suitable for the construction of a gymnasium and a hall (oikos).  And since, when we wished to buy it so that we could build a gymnasium and a hall and conduct sacrifices on behalf of the kings, he did not insist on receiving payment, but donated it and registered it as a free gift to the synod.  For this reason, it was decided to welcome him (in the synod) and to honor him (10) with two statues which are to be set up, one in the gymnasium and the other in the hall, and that these be crowned on the eponymous days on which we come together to sacrifice on behalf of the kings.  Likewise, it was resolved that he shall have a seat on the first couch at the banquet for life, and a day will be observed in his honor each year on these premises, and that a plaque be inscribed and set up on the doorway with the inscription: “Paris, the kinsman (of the king), has donated this place to the synod of landowners.”  For it is right that all should honor those who act in a generous way toward the association. And if in his ambition he should leave something else to the association (koinon), it is resolved that another day in his honor will be observed in the city (i.e. Alexandria) and when they hold their banquet, a statue of him will be crowned during the toasts, and three men, who he shall propose to be honored, will be received into the synod without an entrance fee, whose names he shall supply.

For good fortune!  Below are written (the members), being 29 (in number).

(20) In the eighteenth year, in Paophi: Whereas Paris the kinsman (of the king), who has continued to act in a kindly and generous manner towards us, formerly, when there was the land that belonged to him in Psenamosis that happened to be opportune for us to build a hall and a gymnasium, when we offered to pay its price, he did not insist on receiving payment but gave it to us freely; for which reason he has received from us the honor of two statues that have been confirmed by the preceding decree, which are to be set up in the gymnasium and in the hall, and which are to be crowned on the eponymous days on which we gather to sacrifice on behalf of the kings; and likewise, he shall have a seat on the first couch at the banquet for life, and we will observe a day in his honor yearly at those places, and a plaque will be inscribed on the gateway saying: “Paris the kinsman donated this place to the synod of landowners.”  (30) For it is right that all should honor those who act in a generous way toward the association. It is further resolved to accept into the synod without any entrance fee three men that he will propose to be so honored, whose names he will give us.

And now in the twentieth year, since he had been eager to expand our synod, since he had made gifts for holding two additional days in his honor yearly—so that there are now three days this year, namely one in Alexandria in Thoth, when we set up his engraved image and crown it when we are feasting, and one day in Psenamosis in Pharmouthi, after the first day of Apollo, just as was resolved beforehand, and yet another day in Mesore at the time of vintage—for which days he has given one thousand silver drachmas, so that from the interest of two hundred silver drachmas that is collected each year, the expenses of the other two days may be met.  And it is further resolved that he be named (40) priest for life and that he be free from further dues, and free from contributions for the banquets and free from monthly dues and free from the services (leitourgia) and exempt from levies, and will receive a double portion of food.   And if he is not present at the banquet, it will be sent to him, and his statue will be crowned by the association at the toasts with a special wreath. And when he in old age he dies, the synod will yearly observe for him the customary rites of the dead at the tomb and will crown him from common funds with a special crown at the toasts at the banquet, and will inscribe a decree on a monument (stele) regarding all the aforementioned things, and erect it at the gate of the sanctuary, concerning the three days that are held yearly in his honor, and the three statues, in accordance with these decrees. For good fortune!

All those members who are present whose names are written below approved, and did everything as indicated above. At the bottom are written their names, all approving.

Item added: November 21, 2011
Item modified: May 26, 2021
ID number: 668
Short link address:
http://www.philipharland.com/greco-roman-associations/?p=668