[EBII Baktria AAR] Into the East [Updated: 17/12/2018]
EXPLANATORY NOTE
At the height of summer, July 2018, Dr Baines and his international team descended upon the formerly abandoned site of Ai-Khanoum; of course it was especially dangerous for them (what with modern Afghanistan being what it is) and all possible steps were taken for their security during their time out in the heat and dust of that place.
The reason for their departure was a most interesting one, being as it is believed that all had been found at the site that could be. Yet not everything had been found, and it was the duty of Dr Baines to travel with all haste and receive into his care something of such little value, and yet immeasurable measure.
I honestly find it hard to explain all that I should, even as I sit here typing this! Nevertheless I shall try.
Greco-Baktria, that most elusive of formations, that region that we in the profession have taken to describing as 'coins and kings' because of the mass of currency and numismatic evidence, has remained a half-glimpsed mirage for most of the modern period and before; with this mission and the results of it I can only say that questions may well be answered, or more dragged into the light.
I ramble, I admit, but excitement grips me. Apologies.
Personal histories of the Hellenistic Period are as rare as can be imagined, indeed any such documents from such a viewpoint are equally so, but one has been found! By God it has.
Inside a cave not far from the main site of Ai-Khanoum, yet somehow untouched by former expeditions and surrounding war, there has been found the body of a male beneath a pile of rocks – a cave in no doubt the cause of death – who's remains have been dated, as have the papyri scraps and writing instruments laying within arms length.
Written (probably dictated) in a mixture of Arcadocypriot and Koine Greek, it appears to contain the personal accounts of one Panares, son of Eteokles, an Arcadian citizen of Lykosoura who was both a mercenary and someone who wanted their life recorded.
What is particularly fascinating is that this same account was found inside Ai-Khanoum itself about a month later, written in much plainer Greek and a better hand, only for a third (yes, a third!) copy of the same tale to be located in modern day Izmir on the Turkish coast – not only near fully preserved, but written in highly readable Latin.
Needless to say that this latter most document was translated with all haste and has now reached us here in Britain, and it is a copy of it that I now attach to you, my good friend, for your perusal and possibly pleasure.
Outside of Xenophon and the infinitely engrossing Anabasis this could well be the only account of its kind.
I shall leave you with a final note; the personal names, Greek used by the original teller of the tale, and locations are all – as far as possible – kept in their original forms. Words, phrases and the like are further explained by our translator Dr Speziale or myself.
- Prof W. P. Sayers
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