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Dating and place
No items in order to determine with certainty the dating of the Purple Code , the place where it was made and the identity of those who brought him to Rossano.
The majority of scholars, based on the style of the manuscript, with regard to the dating, agree on a period between the IV and VI- VII century. The most reliable is the VI century.
The comparison with other contemporary artifacts, some of localization, it appears that, probably, the Codex was produced in Syria, perhaps in Antioch.
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The arrival in Rossano
It is assumed that the migration wave of the greek - eastern monks occurred in the seventh century, due to the first iconoclasm, has resulted in Rossano a group of monks who guarded the precious Sacred Text.
But it is not to be excluded that it was a noble aristocrat of the Byzantine court to bring him in Rossano.
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First reporting
In 1864, the text was reported for the first time by the journalist Cesare Malpica.
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First scientific studies on the text
In 1879, the Codex was studied, for the first time, from a scientific point of view, by the Germans Oskar von Gebhardt and Adolf Harnack, who subjected him to the attention of international culture.
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Other studies on the Codex
Evangeliorum Codex Graecus Purpureus Rossanensis is brought to the attention of the most by the dutch historian Arthur Haseloff.
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Continuing studies on the code
In 1907 it is studied by Antonio Munoz, an art historian and italian architect.
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First restoration of the Codex
The first restoration so far documented of the Code was conducted in 1919 by Nestor Leoni, who arranged to strengthen and stretch the parchment using gelatin ironed, making it transparent irreversibly.
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Studies on the Italian codex
Among the most important Italian studies were those of De Maffei (1978) and Cavallo (1987); the latter with the creation of a facsimile and analytical commentary of the Code.
The studies conducted by Guglielmo Cavallo on writing text and its type library document the high quality of the parchment, the rigorous structuring of the pages, the use of precious ink, the monumentality of the graphic forms, the addition of the precious illuminated kit and especially the adoption of purple parchment which testifies to the transfer of the pagan symbolism of the imperial cult to divine sacredness of the Christian Word.
All characters appearing identified due to a function of the Rossanensis Code as a sacred ceremony book, liturgical pump and public exhibition.
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Folco Quilici makes a documentary film about the Codex Purpureus Rossanensis
The Codex Purpureus Rossanensis is an ancient manuscript of priceless historical and archeological value, found in that part of Byzantine Italy, still hiding secrets and treasures.
Thanks to its perfectly kept polychrome illuminations, the Codex Purpureus is considered the most ancient illuminated book in the world.
Through this documentary film Folco Quilici leads us to the discovery of this masterpiece, kept in the medieval town of Rossano, in south Italy. We take a glimpse in the byzantine world through fortresses, monasteries in ruins and grottos decorated with frescos by the hermit monks .
The documentary film was awarded with two important prices in 1987 : the Imago Price and the the Nastro d'Argento price, given by the Italian critics .
To watch the documentary film click on the following link: http://youtu.be/uMSBTn7jiBM -
A seminar of studies as been organized for the opening of the academic year at the State school of restoration and preservation of cultural heritage
The ICRCPAL ( central institute for restoration and preservation of archive and book heritage ) will host a series of studies on the Codex Purpureus Rossannesis 'restoration and preservation'.
On this occasion there will be important personalities from the Ministry of cultural heritage and cultural activities, members from the Diocese of Rossano , technicians from the ICRCPAL and eminent scholars. Here is the following programme:
Speeches by:
Prof. Mario Caligiuri, responsible for cultural department Region Calabria
Arch. Francesco Prosperetti, Regional director for architectonical and naturalist heritage in Calabria - MiBAC
S.E. Mons. Santo Marcianò, Archbishop of the Rossano-Cariati Diocese.
Mons. Giangiulio Radivo, President Foundation Cardinale Cusano
Dott. Fabio De Chirico, supervisor for historical , artistical and ethonoanthropological heritage of Calabria - MiBAC
Dott.ssa Maria Cristina Misiti, Director of ICRCPAL - MiBAC institute .
The Codex given back to history.
Prof. Guglielmo Cavallo, Università di Roma “La Sapienza”
Professoressa Lucinia Speciale, University of Salento
Dott.ssa Flavia Pinzari, Responsable of the biology laboratory at the ICRCPAL,
Dott.ssa Lucilla Nuccetelli, Responsable of the restoration laboratory at the ICRCPAL
Dott.ssa Francesca Pascalicchio, technology laboratory . -
The Codex Purpureus Rossanesis shown to Pope Francis during his visit to the Quirinale.
The Codex Purpureus will be the special guest at the Quirinale, on occasion of the first visit ever of Pope Francis to the President of the republic Giorgio Napolitano.
On November 14 , the marvelous state rooms of the Quirinale will become the scenery of an unprecedented cultural, spiritual and political event .
This is the first visit of the Pontiff to Giorgio Napolitano.
For this special occasion, the codex will be exhibited after the long restoration undergone at the ICRCPAL institute of Rome , directed by dr. Maria Cristina Misiti.
To watch the video of this unique event click here .
http://youtu.be/yjl93vzIBqU / http://youtu.be/RLyXJlXixq8 / http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=8oGmf1Xun-c -
Fitting out works in the Codex Purpureus' room recently started
Fitting out works in the Diocesan museum of sacred art in Rossano have been recently started. Such restyling will aim at a better exposure and enhancement of the countless works of art here preserved, thus granting the visitors a better fruition of the museum.
One aisle of the museum, made up of three rooms, will be entirely devoted to the 'Codex Purpureus', with historical and multimedial support, to give a wider knowlegde and enhancement of the precious manuscript.
For more info click here! -
Codex Purpureus : awarded the UNESCO
The Codex Purpureo Rossanensis has been recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and inserted in " New inscriptions on the International Memory of the World Register" .