Magical Papyrus: Amulet against Fever (P. Gaál)

Complete on all sides. 7 lines. The writing runs against the fibers, and the back is blank. The papyrus was folded three times horizontally at a distance of 1,3–1,4 cm, and twice vertically, at 2 cm from the left and 1,5 cm from the right margin. Along the first and the last horizontal fold, at 1,1 and 2,4 cm respectively, two smaller and two larger holes are visible in approximate symmetry. Mirror images of the writing are visible, in the upper and lower margins and between the lines. This allows for a reconstruction of the folding: First the first and last horizontal stripes were folded towards the middle, then the two vertical folds were made. Finally the papyrus was folded horizontally in the middle. The holes could have served to hang the amulet, or they are only damage. No traces suggest the use of a metal container. The hand is a practiced semi-cursive characteristic of the 4th century with occasional ligatures.

Inscription: φηγ γη βαλοχρα θαμρα Ζαραχθω ἐξορκίδω ὑμᾶς κατὰ τῆς πικρᾶς Ἀνά<γ>κης Μασκελι Μασκελω Φνουκενταβαωθ ορεοβαζαγαρ ῥηζίχθω ἱππόχθων πυριπηγανυξ· ἀπάλ<λ>αξον Ἄμμων τοῦ ἔ- χον< τος > αὐτὸν πυρετὸν καὶ ῥίγους, ἤδη ἤδη, ταχὺ, ταχύ, ἐν τῇ σήμερον. “PHĒG GĒ … BALOCHRA THAMRA ZARACHTHŌ, I conjure you all by the bitter compulsion: MASKELI MASKELŌ PHNOUKENTABAŌTH OREOBAZAGAR RHĒZICHTHŌN HIPPICHTHŌN | PYRIPĒGANYX. Deliver Ammon from the fever and shivering fit that restrains him, immediately, immediately; quickly, quickly; today!” (Translation after R. Kotanszky and Zs. Ritoók)