Cleopatra's signature
Egypt, History, 11/3/2000

The German professor of ancient history who discovered the papyrus said that "gensus" which is the Greek word for "so be it" had drawn his attention since the term is only used by royalties upon giving orders.

The date also refers to the year 33 BC ,which is the period when Cleopatra was queen of Egypt. The German professor had then deduced that the signature belongs to Cleopatra VII.

The papyrus includes promises of tax exemption in favour of the Roman commander Kinadius, a close friend to Antonio.

The promise indeed gives proof that she was not only charming but intelligent and smart in commercial dealings.

According to Mrs Susan Walker of the Greco-Roman Department of the British Museum, the papyrus is the only one that bears a model of Cleopatra's handwritting.

The papyrus was originally published in a book which referred to it as a trade contract between an Egyptian farmer and an anonymous man.

The book fell in the hands of the German scholar. But he doubted the content of the papyrus and so asked the publisher to have him examine the original document.

Feeding the computer with relevant information, he became certain that the papyrus has to do with a royal order.

However several experts claim that there was possibility that the Greek word was added deliberately.

But the German professor argued that if the word had been added , the official who was supposed to receive the order would have instantly noticed that the royal signature was forged.

Previous Stories:
  The inauguration of the Egyptian Opera House   (11/1/2000)
  Anniversary of the Khedive's Opera House   (11/1/2000)
  Restoring the historical sites related to the the prophet's kins   (10/27/2000)

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