Ostrakon with a Letter from Pesynthius to Peter

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Ostraca are texts written on broken pottery, which were employed when parchment was unavailable or too expensive. At Epiphanius a large number of ostraca were discovered in the monastery, including in its rubbish heaps; they record biblical verses, legal documents, sermons, financial accounts, school texts, and letters requesting assistance and prayers. Some reveal that, even at the southernmost border of the Empire, people were still aware of events in the capital, Constantinople. Ostracon with a Letter from Pesynthius to Peter Be so good and go unto the dwelling of Athanasius, the son of Sabinus, the craftsman, and get good goat skins, either 3 or 4, or whatsoever thou shalt find of good (ones); and do thou bring them me, that I may choose one therefrom for this book. But hasten and bring them. And if Athanasius desire to bring them, and he come, [let him] bring them. If thou find not (skins) with him, … another craftsman and bring [them]. Give to unto Peter; from Pesynthius, this humblest one.

Medieval Art and The Cloisters

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Museum's collection of medieval and Byzantine art is among the most comprehensive in the world. Displayed in both The Met Fifth Avenue and in the Museum's branch in northern Manhattan, The Met Cloisters, the collection encompasses the art of the Mediterranean and Europe from the fall of Rome in the fourth century to the beginning of the Renaissance in the early sixteenth century. It also includes pre-medieval European works of art created during the Bronze Age and early Iron Age.

Metropolitan Museum of Art