From Papyrus to Classroom: A Didactic Proposal on the Private Letters to Zenon (P. Lond. 7 1976 and SB 22 15276)

Abstract

This paper proposes from a philological, papyrological and didactic perspective a series of activities and materials for the subject Greek in 12th grade based on two letters written in Greek from Zenon’s archive (263 BC-229 BC): P.Lond. 7 1976 and SB 22 15276, whose senders were women of different ages, diverse social backgrounds and from non-identical origins. This proposal aims to address the need in Humanities’ education to show more real female figures, as well as original texts and the promotion of critical thinking among students. Firstly, the incorporation of these papyri in the teaching program has been justified. Following this, an introduction is made to Zenon son of Agreophon and his archive and to the women senders of the selected letters, as well as the explanation of the four proposed activities. In the conclusion, the prepared activities are put together, briefly examining the used methodologies, the made materials and, finally, contemplating whether these worked as a solution to the initial problems.