TheCologne Mani-Codex (Codex Manichaicus Coloniensis) is a tiny parchmentcodex, dated onpaleographical evidence to the fifth century AD, found nearAsyut (the ancient Lycopolis) in Egypt. Measuring 4.5 × 3.8 cm, the codex is the smallest ancient book yet discovered.[1] It contains aGreek text describing the life ofMani, the founder of the religionManichaeism.
The codex became known via antique dealers in Cairo. It consisted of four deteriorated lumps ofvellum the size of a palm, and was in very poor condition.[2] It was purchased for the Institut für Altertumskunde at theUniversity of Cologne in 1969, and two of its scientists,Albert Henrichs [de] andLudwig Koenen, produced a first report (1970)[3] and thefirst edition of this ancient manuscript, hence known as the Cologne Mani-Codex, which they published in four articles in theZeitschrift für Papyrologie und Epigraphik (1975–82). Many emendations and alternate readings were offered in the following decade, and it was found that some of the minute fragments associated with the codex could be successfully incorporated into the body of text.[4] A second edition was published in 1988.[5] Two symposia have been devoted to the codex, and their papers published: inRende (Calabria) (1984) and inCosenza (1988).
The text, which bears the ambiguous titleOn the Origin of His Body, recounts Mani's introduction to theJewish-ChristianElkesaite baptising sect. Mani's teachings are revealed to him through his spiritual companion and celestial twin (hissyzygos). The Greek text bears traces that demonstrate it had been translated from anEastern Aramaic orOld Syriac original. Thelogoi of Mani himself are repeatedly cited. That it is a compilation from earlier texts is suggested by the names, apparently of teachers that head each section of the text.[6]
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