Fragmented ancient papyrus which was sent by a Roman soldier named Aurelius Polion to his family. In it, the soldier complains that he does not receive letters from them and that he feels as if they treated him as a “stranger”. The object is dated to the beginning of the 3rd century CE and was found in Egypt.
Recognized content of the letter:
I pray that you are in good health night and day, and I always make obeisance before all the gods on your behalf. I do not cease writing to you, but you do not have me in mind. But I do my part writing to you always and do not cease bearing you (in mind) and having you in my heart. But you never wrote to me concerning your health, how you are doing. I am worried about you because although you received letters from me often, you never wrote back to me so that I may know how yo.
I sent six letters to you. The moment you have(?) me in mind, I shall obtain leave from the consular (commander), and I shall come to you so that you may know that I am your brother. For I demanded(?) nothing from you for the army, but I fault you because although I write to you, none of you(?) … has consideration. Look, your(?) neighbor … I am your brother.
