Cologne Mani-Codex
Encyclopedia
The Cologne Mani-Codex is a minute papyrus codex
, dated on paleographical evidence to the fifth century CE, found near Asyut
(the ancient Lycopolis), Egypt; it contains a Greek text describing the life of Mani
, the founder of the religious Manichaeism
. From this recent discovery, we know much more about the man who founded one of the most influential world religions of the past.
The codex became known via antique dealers in Cairo. It was purchased for the Institut für Altertumskunde at the University of Cologne
in 1969, and two of its scientists, A. Henrichs andL. Koenen, produced a first report (1970) and the first edition of this ancient manuscript, hence known as the Cologne Mani-Codex, which they published in four articles in the Zeitschrift 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. A second edition was published in 1988.
Two symposia have been devoted to the codex, and their papers published: in Rende, Calabri (1984) and in Cosenza (1988).
The text, which bears the ambiguous title "On the origin of his body", recounts Mani's introduction to the Jewish-Christian Elkesaite
baptising sect. Mani's teachings are revealed to him through his spiritual companion and celestial twin (his syzygos). The Greek text bears traces that shows it has been translated from an Eastern Aramaic or Old Syriac
original. The logoi
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.
Codex
A codex is a book in the format used for modern books, with multiple quires or gatherings typically bound together and given a cover.Developed by the Romans from wooden writing tablets, its gradual replacement...
, dated on paleographical evidence to the fifth century CE, found near Asyut
Asyut
Asyut is the capital of the modern Asyut Governorate in Egypt; the ancient city of the same name is situated nearby. The modern city is located at , while the ancient city is at .- Etymology :...
(the ancient Lycopolis), Egypt; it contains a Greek text describing the life of Mani
Mani (prophet)
Mani , of Iranian origin was the prophet and the founder of Manichaeism, a gnostic religion of Late Antiquity which was once widespread but is now extinct...
, the founder of the religious Manichaeism
Manichaeism
Manichaeism in Modern Persian Āyin e Māni; ) was one of the major Iranian Gnostic religions, originating in Sassanid Persia.Although most of the original writings of the founding prophet Mani have been lost, numerous translations and fragmentary texts have survived...
. From this recent discovery, we know much more about the man who founded one of the most influential world religions of the past.
The codex became known via antique dealers in Cairo. It was purchased for the Institut für Altertumskunde at the University of Cologne
University of Cologne
The University of Cologne is one of the oldest universities in Europe and, with over 44,000 students, one of the largest universities in Germany. The university is part of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, an association of Germany's leading research universities...
in 1969, and two of its scientists, A. Henrichs andL. Koenen, produced a first report (1970) and the first edition of this ancient manuscript, hence known as the Cologne Mani-Codex, which they published in four articles in the Zeitschrift 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. A second edition was published in 1988.
Two symposia have been devoted to the codex, and their papers published: in Rende, Calabri (1984) and in Cosenza (1988).
The text, which bears the ambiguous title "On the origin of his body", recounts Mani's introduction to the Jewish-Christian Elkesaite
Elcesaites
The Elcesaites, Elkasaites, Elkesaites, or Elchasaites were an ancient Jewish-Christian sect, possibly related to the Ebionites, in Sassanid southern Mesopotamia.Some early scholars differentiate Ebionites from Essenic Ebionite-Elchasites...
baptising sect. Mani's teachings are revealed to him through his spiritual companion and celestial twin (his syzygos). The Greek text bears traces that shows it has been translated from an Eastern Aramaic or Old Syriac
Old Syriac
The term Old Syriac can refer to either* an early stage of the Syriac language* or the two Syriac manuscripts of the separate gospels that some think predate the standard Peshitta version:** the Curetonian Gospels**and the Sinaitic Palimpsest...
original. The logoi
Logos
' is an important term in philosophy, psychology, rhetoric and religion. Originally a word meaning "a ground", "a plea", "an opinion", "an expectation", "word," "speech," "account," "reason," it became a technical term in philosophy, beginning with Heraclitus ' is an important term in...
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.