Ostrakon with a Letter from Pesynthius to Peter. Culture: Coptic. Dimensions: 5 9/16 × 5 × 1 15/16 in. (14.2 × 12.7 × 4.9 cm). Date: 580-640.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 PeterBe 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 com