Codex Vindobonensis 795 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Codex Vindobonensis 795 |
|
|---|---|
| Date | c. 798 |
| Author(s) | Alcuin, etc. |
| Compiled by | Arno of Salzburg, etc. |
| Contents | Assorted letters of Alcuin, guidebooks to the topography of Rome |
The Codex Vindobonensis 795 is a very old handwritten book, called a manuscript. It was put together around the year 798, which is over 1200 years ago! This special book is kept safe in the Austrian National Library in Vienna. It's like a time capsule, giving us a peek into the knowledge and interests of people from the 9th century.
Contents
What is the Codex Vindobonensis 795?
This ancient book is a collection of writings. It mostly contains letters and essays by a famous scholar named Alcuin. He was an important teacher and advisor during his time. The book also includes descriptions of places in ancient Rome.
Who Made This Book?
The Codex Vindobonensis 795 was likely put together by Arno of Salzburg. He was an important church leader who became an archbishop. Arno probably compiled this book shortly after he returned from Rome in 798. He gathered Alcuin's writings and other important texts into one volume.
What's Inside the Codex?
The Codex Vindobonensis 795 holds many interesting things. It has letters from Alcuin, which give us clues about life and ideas in the 9th century. It also contains special guides about Rome.
Exploring Ancient Rome
Two important parts of the Codex describe Rome. One is called Notitia ecclesiarium urbis Romae. This means "Notice of the churches of the city of Rome." The other is De locis sanctis martyrum quae sunt foris civitatis Romae. This translates to "The locations of the holy martyrs outside the city of Rome." These texts were not written by Alcuin himself. They act like old guidebooks, showing where important churches and holy sites were located in and around Rome. The book seems to have been an effort to help people imagine and understand Rome, even if they couldn't visit. It also includes letters between Arno and Alcuin about rebuilding a monastery.
Old Alphabets and Runes
Another fascinating part of the Codex is its discussion of old writing systems. It talks about the Gothic alphabet, which was used by the Goths, an ancient Germanic people. It also describes the Anglo-Saxon runes, which were special symbols used for writing in Old English. These sections help us learn about how people wrote and communicated long ago.
