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1 results

  • Chapter 5 - Difficulties in Spreading the Word

  • Pauline Allen, University of Pretoria, Bronwen Neil, Macquarie University, Sydney
  • Book:
    Greek and Latin Letters in Late Antiquity
    Published online:
    05 September 2020
    Print publication:
    10 September 2020, pp 94-115

  • Summary

    In this chapter we turn to the question how letters were delivered to their destinations and beyond. We consider the difference between public and private letters and their bearers, and what impact this may have had on early Christian correspondences. Modes of transport and various possible itineraries affected the progress of the letter from the writing to the delivery stage, in all of this the bearer being of paramount importance, which requires us to investigate as far as possible the identity of the couriers, and how they were chosen. The important place occupied by the verbal report of the bearers is addressed, together with the considerable problems and hazards which they faced in their missions, some of which were occasioned by brigands, delay or haste. We consider the hospitality offered to these travellers and the friendship which either existed or could ensue between them and the recipients of letters. Finally, we look briefly at the circulation and forwarding of letters.