Abstract
The Raphia Decree of Ptolemy IV Philometor is best preserved in multiple Demotic redactions, but two fragmentary copies of the hieroglyphic portion have also survived. Both stelae were published long ago by Kamal and Gauthier (Cairo, CG 31008 and 50048), yet lacunae and other uncertainties plague the first editions. Through collation of the hieroglyphic texts, comparison to the corresponding Demotic redaction and other trilingual decrees, several troublesome passages are clarified. In one section, the divinities of Egypt speak to Ptolemy IV in an oracular dream, their message reported using direct speech. Elsewhere, the text notes that Antiochus III was accompanied at Raphia by his wife, the distinguished stateswoman Laodike III, yet another example of a Hellenistic queen going to battle.
Published Version
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