Cologne Mani-Codex

The Cologne Mani Codex ( Codex Latin Manichaicus Coloniensis = CMC ), No. 4780 is a 3.5 × 4.5 cm large parchment codex, the ( paleographically determined ) was made in the late 4th or 5th century. It is written in the Greek language and script. At 192 pages, it contains a biography of the religious founder Mani, the founder of Manichaeism, under the title "On the Will of his body ." He is one of the main sources of Manis life and also describes Manichean teaching content.

Content and history of research

The Cologne Mani Codex is a very valuable source for the early Manichaeism, as it autobiographical information Manis and reports delivered his disciples, who has compiled from older works, the anonymous author. The text was probably translated from Ostaramäischen into Greek.

The Code has been known for antiques dealer in Cairo. In 1969 he was bought by the Institute of Archaeology of the University of Cologne. Two scientists in Cologne, Albert Henrichs and Ludwig Koenen, published in 1970 the first report and 1975-1982, the first edition of the manuscript in four articles in the Journal for Papyrology and epigraphy. Many additions and changes have been proposed in the next decade. Therefore, Ludwig Koenen and Cornelia Römer in 1988 brought out a second edition.

Two conferences were held to the Code and published their contributions: 1984 in Rende (Calabria ) and 1988 in Cosenza.

The Cologne Mani Codex is the smallest format book of antiquity. This remarkable little book format is probably because that Manichaeism was persecuted by the Church. So you had the valuable Mani Codex hide well and can carry. More likely, however, that the book should be worn as an amulet on the body.

Photographic reproduction of the Code

  • Ludwig Koenen, Cornelia Römer: The Cologne Mani Codex. Pictures and diplomatic text. Habelt, Bonn 1985, ISBN 3-7749-2146-6 ( contains photographs of all sides of the Codex )

Text editions and translations

  • Ron Cameron, Arthur J. Dewey (ed.): The Cologne Mani Codex ( P. Colon inv nr 4780. . ). Concerning the Origin of His Body. Scholars Press, Missoula ( MT ) 1979 (Edition with English translation; Society of Biblical Literature Texts and Translations Series 15)
  • Ludwig Koenen, Cornelia Römer ( ed.): The Cologne Mani Codex. About the Will of his body. West German publisher, Opladen 1988, ISBN 3-531-09924-8 ( critical edition with translation )
  • Ludwig Koenen, Cornelia Römer: Mani. On the trail of a lost religion. Herder, Freiburg im Breisgau, inter alia, 1993, ISBN 3-451-23090-9 ( translation with introduction)
Classical antiquity Book size
195959
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