The Spoils of Egypt: Exploring Pre-Nicene Abbreviations for ἄνθρωπος, κύριος, and κυρίου

In the fascinating world of ancient manuscripts, the abbreviation practices used by scribes provide invaluable insights into the textual traditions and linguistic conventions of the time. The database at www.trismegistos.org offers a treasure trove of information on these abbreviations, particularly for the terms ἄνθρωπος (man) and κύριος (lord). This blog post delves into the specifics of how κύριος and κυρίου were abbreviated from the third century BCE through the third century CE, with a special focus on the term κυρίου.

Third Century BCE Abbreviations

The earliest attestations of the abbreviation for κύριος date back to the third century BCE. A notable example includes:

• κυ(ρία) - Egypt, P. Ryl. Gr. 4 584 11 TM 43475

Second Century BCE Abbreviations

In the second century BCE, we see more frequent and varied use of abbreviations for κυρίου:

• κυ(ρίου) - Several examples from Egypt, such as P. Tebt. 3 971 descr. 20 TM 7827 and BGU 6 1222 6 TM 4531
• κύρ(ιος) - Example from Upper Egypt, P. Dryton 41 6 TM 503
• Total attestations: 8/91 (8 instances of κυ)

First Century BCE Abbreviations

The first century BCE continues to show a significant number of abbreviations:

• κ(υρίου) - Predominantly from Alexandria, with examples like BGU 4 1153 13 TM 18603 and BGU 4 1150 17 TM 18597
• κυρ(ίῳ) - Example from Egypt, SB 10 10474 2 TM 5807
• κυ(ρίου) - 15/89 (13 instances of κ, 2 of κυ)

First Century CE Abbreviations

The first century CE marks an increase in the variety and frequency of abbreviations:

• κ(ύρια) - Egypt, PSI 10 1118 25 TM 17548
• κυρ(ίου) - Examples from Soknopaiou Nesos, P. Ryl. Gr. 2 160 c 32 TM 12946
• κ(υρίου) - Found in numerous documents from Tebtynis, P. Mich. 2 121 Vo 1 TM 11965
• Total attestations: 26/1171 (14 instances of κ, 6 of κυρ, 3 of κυρί, 1 of κυ, 1 of κου, 1 of κυρο)

Second Century CE Abbreviations

The second century CE offers a rich collection of abbreviations:

• Κ(υρί)ῳ - Egypt, Cahier d r. d. l’i. d. p. é. d. L. (1979), p. 264 no. CEML 1115 4 TM 80049
• κ(υρίου) - Multiple examples from Neilopolis, BGU 11 2055 3 TM 26950
• κυ(ρίου) - Examples from Upper Egypt, O. Strasb. 1 500 3 TM 76088
• Total attestations: 151/6183 (61 instances of κ, 35 of κυ, 17 of κου, 17 of κυρ, 10 of κυρί, 6 of κυου, 2 of κρου, 1 each of κρίο, κρίυ, κί̣ου)

Third Century CE Abbreviations

By the third century CE, the instances of abbreviations become less frequent:

• κ(υρί)ῳ - Egypt, Theadelpheia, P. Basel 2 43 21 TM 30799
• κ(υρίου) - Examples from Hermopolis, P. Ryl. Gr. 2 176 2 TM 19520
• Total attestations: 4/840 (4 instances of κ)

Analysis and Observations

From the third century BCE through the third century CE, the abbreviation practices for κύριος and κυρίου reveal a variety of forms, reflecting regional and chronological differences. In early periods, κυρίου is commonly abbreviated as κυ, but as time progresses, other forms like κ, κυρ, and even κου become more prevalent.

The detailed records show a fascinating progression in abbreviation practices, illustrating both the evolution of scribal conventions and the diverse linguistic landscapes of ancient Egypt and its neighboring regions.

Conclusion

Understanding these abbreviations sheds light on the complexities of ancient manuscript traditions and helps us appreciate the meticulous work of the scribes. The practice of abbreviating sacred and common terms alike reflects not only the linguistic ingenuity of the time but also the cultural and religious significance attached to these words. By studying these patterns, we gain a deeper insight into the textual practices that shaped early Christian and Greco-Roman literary cultures.