Ancient Christian Codex Sells for $3.9 Million at London Auction

A remarkable piece of early Christian history, the Crosby-Schøyen Codex, has been sold at auction for nearly $3.9 million, marking a significant moment in the world of rare manuscripts. This ancient book, believed to be one of the oldest surviving texts in private hands, was auctioned off at a prestigious auction house in London, attracting a mix of enthusiastic bidders both online and in person. The final sale price, approximately £3.06 million, reflects the growing interest in historical artifacts that illuminate the early years of Christianity.

Dating back to between 250 and 350 A.D., the Crosby-Schøyen Codex is a collection of biblical texts written in Coptic script on papyrus. It contains the earliest complete copies of two significant biblical works: the Book of Jonah and the First Epistle of Peter. The codex was discovered in the 1950s by Egyptian farmers near the town of Dishna, alongside other ancient manuscripts that are collectively known as the Bodmer Papyri. These texts provide invaluable insights into the early Christian community and its practices.

The codex is not just a relic; it represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of written communication. Unlike the scrolls that were common at the time, this codex is a bound book, showcasing advances in written technology. It is preserved between plexiglass plates, a testament to its age and fragility. Scholars have noted that the codex is in remarkably good condition, thanks in part to Egypt's dry climate, which has helped preserve the papyrus over the centuries.

Eugenio Donadoni, a senior specialist in manuscripts at the auction house, emphasized the codex's monumental importance, stating, "The earliest monks in Upper Egypt in the earliest Christian monastery were using this very book to celebrate the earliest Easter celebrations, only a few hundred years after Christ." This highlights the codex's role not only as a historical artifact but also as a witness to the spread of Christianity in its formative years.

The auction of the Crosby-Schøyen Codex is part of a larger collection that includes over 20,000 pieces spanning 5,000 years of history. While the sale price is impressive, it pales in comparison to other historical documents. For instance, the Codex Sassoon, a Hebrew Bible over 1,000 years old, sold for a staggering $38.1 million last year, setting a record for rare texts. The most expensive historical document remains one of the first prints of the U.S. Constitution, which fetched $43 million in 2021.

The significance of the Crosby-Schøyen Codex extends beyond its monetary value. It serves as a crucial link in the manuscript history of the New Testament, providing insights into early Christian texts that have shaped religious thought for centuries. Scholars believe that the codex may hold undiscovered insights, as modern imaging technologies have yet to be applied to it, potentially revealing new information about early Christian writings.

The codex's journey through history is as fascinating as its content. After its discovery, it changed hands multiple times, eventually being acquired by a Norwegian collector in 1988. Its previous ownership by the University of Mississippi underscores the academic interest in such artifacts, which are often seen as keys to understanding the past.

As the Crosby-Schøyen Codex enters a new chapter in its storied history, it stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of early Christianity and the ongoing quest to uncover the narratives that have shaped human civilization. The sale not only highlights the value placed on historical texts but also invites further exploration into the rich tapestry of religious and cultural history that they represent.