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Apparently, no more than a third of the inscription on this statue has survived, but clearly it depicted an important official, whose name has unfortunately been lost. According to the last line, he was chosen to serve under a Greek ruler - who was probably Ptolemy I, before he formally adopted the title of 'king'. The translation is adapted from Ph. Derchain, "Les impondérables de l'hellénisation" (2000), p. 41. For some suggested improvements to the French translation, see the review of Derchain's book by I. Guermeur in BiOr 60 (2003), pp.330-333 ( JPG ). | 
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[1] The one who resides with Ptah south of his wall, Lord of Ankh-tawi, the prince governor, his especial favourite friend, eloquent, of good counsel, not speaking lightly . . .
[2] with the affairs of the gods. When he goes out, he is welcomed with joy, and one does what he says. He whose enterprises succeed, who contrives as necessary with regard to what he has undertaken, to ensure that it is completed. The priest of Amun of the mound . . .
[3] for . . . coming from your ka. I have become rich by your command, since you know that my heart is disposed to all that is good. As I have been on your water since childhood, you give me your blessing . . .
[4] Now, in the time of the Greeks, I was summoned by the ruler of Egypt {Ta-mery} because he loved my character and knew the ideas I had given . . .
Attalus' home page | 24.09.25 | Any comments?