Purple parchment and precious inks.
Codex Rossanensis — Sigma / 042
Codex Purpureus Rossanensis; Rossano Gospels; Sigma
Manuscript designation
042
Estimated date
Sixth century AD
Manuscript category
Majuscule
Writing material
Parchment
Language
Greek
Present repository
Museo Diocesano e del Codex, Rossano, Italy
Shelfmark
Codex Purpureus Rossanensis; GA 042
Gospel Contents
The surviving manuscript contains Matthew and most of Mark. The remainder of the original Gospel book has been lost.
Gospels represented: Matthew, Mark
View the Ancient Manuscript
Where available, consult manuscript images or the holding institution's digital edition.
Physical Description
Codex Rossanensis is a luxurious Gospel manuscript written on purple-dyed parchment. It preserves 188 folios, with the Greek text arranged in two columns and written principally in silver ink, with gold used for selected headings and sacred names. The manuscript is especially celebrated for its surviving illustrations of events from the life of Jesus.
Dating the Manuscript
Generally dated to the sixth century on paleographical, artistic, and codicological grounds. Its precise place of production remains uncertain.
Discovery and Preservation
The manuscript was preserved for centuries at Rossano in southern Italy. Its earlier history and original place of production are uncertain. It became internationally known through scholarly study during the nineteenth century and has subsequently undergone conservation and detailed scientific examination.
Historical Context
Rossanensis is one of the most remarkable surviving illustrated Gospel books from late antiquity. Its purple parchment, precious inks, and extensive illustrations demonstrate the importance attached to the Gospel writings in the sixth-century Christian world.
Textual Characteristics
The surviving text of Matthew and Mark can be compared with earlier Greek witnesses and other purple parchment manuscripts. Its illustrations also provide evidence for the interpretation of Gospel narratives in early Christian art.
Significance for Gospel Preservation
Rossanensis preserves substantial sixth-century texts of Matthew and Mark. Comparison with earlier and later manuscripts contributes to the evidence for continuity in Gospel transmission. Its elaborate production also demonstrates the care and resources devoted to preserving and presenting the written accounts of Jesus.
Related Investigations
Sources and Further Reading
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Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts Digital Collection
Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts. Digital Manuscript Collection.CSNTM manuscript catalogue and digital research resources.
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New Testament Virtual Manuscript Room
Institute for New Testament Textual Research. New Testament Virtual Manuscript Room.INTF manuscript identification and catalogue evidence.
Museo Diocesano e del Codex, Codex Rossanensis; UNESCO Memory of the World Register, Codex Purpureus Rossanensis; studies of late antique purple parchment manuscripts.
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