Maintaining friendship and commercial relations in eighth-century Egypt: three letters from Abū Yūsuf to Abū Yazīd

Abstract

Three Arabic papyrus letters written by the same individual in the eighth CE or second AH century Fayyum oasis in Egypt now kept in the Austrian National Library describe the activities of a group of closely related Jewish merchants. The author of all three letters applies linguistic and calligraphic epistolary rhetoric to support his letters' messages as his financial and personal circumstances deteriorate. He makes use thereby of the expectations to offer help and sympathy that follow from interpersonal social interactions and relationships.