Aramaic papyrus regarding the jewish temple

Neues Museum

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Material: Papyrus
Date: November 25, 407 BC
Origin: Elephantine, Egypt
Collection: Unknown (P 13495)

This papyrus fragment is a crucial historical letter written in Aramaic, dealing with the politically sensitive rebuilding of the Jewish Temple. It was addressed to Bagohi, the Governor of Judah, and originated from the Jewish garrison at Elephantine. The document provides direct insight into the religious and administrative life of the Jewish Diaspora community under the Persian Achaemenid Empire.

The Aramaic script is clearly visible on the brittle brown papyrus, which has been mounted under glass for preservation. This letter is one of the important Elephantine Papyri that shed light on post-Exilic Judaism and Persian provincial administration.

Museum label reference: 9 Brief an Bagohi wegen Wiederaufbau des Jahu-Tempels, aramäisch / Letter to Bagohi about the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple, aramaic. Spätzeit, 27. Dynastie, 25. Nov. 407 v. Chr. Elephantine; Papyrus P 13495.

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Letter on papyrus in Aramaic concerning the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple to Bagohi

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Source:  Berlin, Germany