The following translation was made by Sabrina Ottaway and Michelle Zhang as part of an ancient Greek course at The Lawrenceville School in 2024-2025. It was reviewed by Krateros Project Co-Directors Aaron Hershkowitz and Angelos Chaniotis.
Claudius Chariton οf Perinthos
Who are you, and from where, buried here under this very ground?
While by name I’m Chariton, on the other hand, my fatherland is Perinthos.
How did you come here to the city of Athens?
Following a man who was raised together with me on account of goodwill.
And what illness put you asunder from swift-passing light?
A sudden cold fit and a mighty fever.
And of how many years was it that you perished in this land?
In my 25th [year] I suffered my loathsome fate.
Ah, poor wretch, did you not manage to return to the land of your fathers?
No, it is necessary to fulfill (my) fate on this land.
And who made ready a grave marker for you and solemnly buried you, after you died?
The man who was raised with me, whom I followed, [him] coming here.
And who of your family is left for you sound among the living?
One brother alone is left for me from the family.
Well then may the gods at least save him always. And you, may you take the gifts appropriate to your friendly blessings.
Notes from Krateros 