Deciphering Ancient Manuscripts

Photo: Karsten Helmholz

How is it possible that we can still read ancient texts today, even though the original manuscripts from that time have long since ceased to exist? A seminar for pupils specialising in Latin and Greek provided an introduction to palaeography.

The programme for the seminar, for pupils from the Christianeum in Hamburg came to the CSMC for a day, consisted of two parts: The first part provided an overview of the time in which texts were transmitted only in handwritten form and how long it lasted compared to the relatively short period of time since the invention of printing and digital media. It also addressed some of the far-reaching developments that have taken place in writing culture during this period, such as the transition from majuscule to minuscule scripts.

The second part of the seminar was a practical session on Greek and Latin palaeography. In small groups, the students tried to decipher various manuscripts of literary texts and payed particular attention to deviations and text variants. A follow-up seminar will deal with the topic of how manuscripts are edited, especially when multiple differing versions are available.