The Parthenope's Novel: P. Berol. 7927 + 9588 + 21179 Revisited

Abstract

Our aim is to provide a new edition with translation and commentary of the first column of PBerol. 7927+9588+21179. This is papyrus corresponding to a lost novel known as Parthenope's Novel. The original, perhaps one of the first Greek novels, gave rise to a long and complex tradition with versions in prose and verse, a Christian martyrology and translations to different languages as Greek, Arab, Persian and Coptic. Our text is badly preserved and it is difficult to read. Although it has been edited and studied before our contribution offers new proposals of reading and allows a better understanding of the novel and its rich literary context. The fragments about to be analysed belong to the beginning of the plot.