The Tour · Chapter
Postscript explained
Caleb of Mariaba writes to Publius Lucius Sabinus detailing the profitable sale of the quadrireme Aphrodite to the Persian satrap Baabab, his plan to remit the proceeds in installments, and personal news including his purchase and manumissi
What happens
Caleb of Mariaba writes to Publius Lucius Sabinus detailing the profitable sale of the quadrireme Aphrodite to the Persian satrap Baabab, his plan to remit the proceeds in installments, and personal news including his purchase and manumission of a Greek slave whom he has taken as his wife in Mariaba.
Themes in this chapter
Wealth and Loss
Caleb's detailed accounting of the sale of the Aphrodite and his cautious plan to remit funds in installments reflects the precarious nature of wealth and the fear of loss through shipwreck or piracy.
Travel and Discovery
The letter recounts journeys from Alexandria to Cape Dire, Arsinoe, and Mariaba, highlighting the mobility and commercial networks of the ancient world.
Characters to notice
- Caleb
Author of the letter; joint proprietor of the Great Diversorium, the Hermes House, at Alexandria; reports the sale of the Aphrodite and his personal affairs.
- Publius Lucius Sabinus
Recipient of the letter; former owner of the quadrireme Aphrodite; addressed as 'ever noble Lord' and 'companion of the chase'.
- Baabab
Persian satrap residing at Susa; purchaser of the quadrireme Aphrodite.
- Master Ghizla
Caleb's brother; mentioned as a potential claimant over Caleb's wife according to Sabaean customs.
- Thrasyllus
Mentioned in Caleb's closing blessings as part of Lucius's household.
- Tarrar
Mentioned in Caleb's closing blessings as part of Lucius's household.
Key passages
“I have succeeded in disposing of the valuable quadrireme, the pleasure-ship Aphrodite, once your property, noble lord, and in the presence of witnesses, free men, transferred to me at Cape Dire, by the Pillars of Sesostris … selling her at Arsinoe, previous to the passage through the Nechao Canal (which would probably have been liable to legal objections), at the very profitable price … of 900,000 sesterces”
Caleb informs Lucius that he has sold the luxury ship Aphrodite to a Persian satrap for 900,000 sesterces, after transferring ownership at Cape Dire and selling at Arsinoe to avoid legal issues with the canal.
Highlights the commercial transaction and legal maneuvering involved in the sale.
“I propose, in order to reduce to a minimum all risks of shipwreck and piracy and other fatal accidents … to remit to you at frequent intervals … a small sum in gold coin or bar”
Caleb plans to send Lucius his money in small installments via trusted merchants to minimize the risk of loss during transport.
Reflects the practical concerns of ancient long-distance finance and the dangers of maritime trade.
“I bought myself a most beautiful slave, a Greek like Cora and excelling in many gifts, which slave, in order to bind her with greater certainty to my affection, I set free at Mariaba, leaving her, however, as my wife in my house in that city”
Caleb purchased a talented Greek slave, freed her, and married her, but left her in Mariaba while he continues his business travels.
Reveals Caleb's personal life and the intersection of slavery, manumission, and marriage in the ancient world.