VATICAN LIBRARY Meaning and
Definition
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The Vatican Library is an extensive collection of books, manuscripts, prints, and various media housed within the Vatican City. It is one of the oldest and most significant libraries in the world, encompassing over 75,000 codices (bound manuscripts) and about 1.1 million printed books, covering an enormous range of subjects and disciplines.
The library's origins can be traced back to Pope Sixtus IV, who founded it in 1475. However, it was Pope Nicholas V who first gathered books for the Papal Library in the mid-15th century, making his collection the cornerstone of the Vatican Library. Throughout history, numerous popes have made valuable additions to the library, expanding its collections with treasures from various cultures, periods, and languages.
The Vatican Library houses an array of invaluable works, including ancient papyri, illuminated manuscripts, early printed books, rare maps, and extensive collections of coins and medals. Notable treasures within its walls include the Codex Vaticanus, one of the oldest copies of the Bible, and the Vergilius Vaticanus, an illuminated manuscript of the works of Virgil.
While primarily serving as a research resource for scholars, the library also welcomes researchers, academics, and qualified individuals. Its collections, preservation efforts, and scholarly activities contribute significantly to the preservation and advancement of knowledge, making the Vatican Library a paramount institution in the realm of cultural heritage and intellectual pursuits.
Etymology of VATICAN LIBRARY
The word "Vatican" refers to the Vatican City, an independent city-state enclaved within Rome, Italy. It is the smallest internationally recognized independent state in the world, and it is the spiritual and administrative headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. The word "Vatican" itself originated from the Latin term "vaticānus", which derives from the Latin word "vāticinor" meaning "to prophesy" or "to predict".
The Vatican Library, also known as the Apostolic Library, was established in the 15th century and is one of the oldest and most important libraries in the world. Its name directly reflects its location within the Vatican City.
