The Art and Science of Healing: From Antiquity to the Renaissance

The Art and Science of Healing: From Antiquity to the RenaissanceThe Art and Science of Healing: From Antiquity to the Renaissance

Oracle Question to Isis

Papyrus

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Oracle question to Isis In Greek Papyrus 60 x 40 mm and 86 x 32 mm 2nd–3rd c. AD Egypt (Arsinoite nome?) P. Mich. inv. 1258

This small papyrus fragment contains six lines with an oracle question to the goddess Isis. The author seems to ask about some kind of struggle, very possibly an illness, since healing is one of the attributes of Isis. Here is an English translation:

Lady Isis! If you have caused my misery, and if you can give me a cure, please make sure that this note is brought back to me!

Listen to the translation: