CODEX ARGENTEUS Meaning and
Definition
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The Codex Argenteus is a Latin term that refers to a significant manuscript, valued for its historical and cultural importance. This particular codex is a 6th-century book written in silver ink on purple-dyed vellum, hence its name, which translates to "Silver Book." It is considered one of the most important surviving Gothic manuscripts in existence.
The Codex Argenteus contains portions of the Wulfila Bible, a translation of the Bible into the Gothic language by the Gothic bishop Wulfila in the 4th century. The manuscript is renowned for its intricate, beautifully illuminated script, ornate initials, and tall, slender letters. It includes fragments of the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, along with other biblical texts. Additionally, it contains the Gothic version of the Gospel of John and some other non-biblical texts like Susanna and the Elders.
This ancient manuscript holds immense historical and linguistic value, as it is one of the primary sources for studying the Gothic language, a Germanic language spoken by the Goths, an East Germanic people. Scholars and researchers have extensively studied the Codex Argenteus to gain insight into the Gothic culture, language, and the development of Christianity in the Germanic tribes.
Currently housed in the Carolina Rediviva library in Uppsala, Sweden, the Codex Argenteus stands as a preserved legacy, shedding light on the Gothic people, their language, and the cultural, religious, and linguistic context of the time. It continues to be a subject of scholarly fascination, providing a unique record of history.
Etymology of CODEX ARGENTEUS
The word "codex argenteus" consists of two parts: "codex" and "argenteus".
1. Codex: This word comes from Latin and means "book", "manuscript", or "document". It is derived from the word "caudex", referring to the trunk of a tree or a wooden tablet used for writing.
2. Argenteus: This term is derived from the Latin word "argenteus", meaning "silver" or "made of silver". It comes from the noun "argentum", which refers to the same concept. The word likely describes the silver appearance of the cover or decoration of the codex.
Therefore, "codex argenteus" translates to "silver book" or "silver manuscript". It is a fitting name for a codex that has silver decorations or a silver appearance.
