The Cologne Mani-Codex (Codex Manichaicus Coloniensis) is a minuscule 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 Henrichs and 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.

Notes

References

• The Cologne Mani Codex (P. Colon. inv. nr. 4780) "Concerning the Origin of His Body" Edited and translated by Ron Cameron and Arthur J. Dewey. Society of Biblical Literature Texts and Translations Series 15. Missoula, MT: Scholars Press, 1979.

External links

• Encyclopedia Iranica, s.v. "Cologne Main-Codex"