February 04

In February 1859, German biblical scholar Constantin von Tischendorf discovered fragments of the Codex Sinaiticus at Saint Catherine's Monastery on the Sinai Peninsula. The manuscript, dating to the mid-fourth century, contains the earliest complete copy of the New Testament and parts of the Old Testament in Greek. Tischendorf recognized its significance when he was shown discarded parchment leaves used as binding material in the monastic library. He arranged to transport additional leaves to Europe, sparking international interest in early biblical texts. The Codex's rich textual variants have since provided crucial insights into the transmission and canonization of Christian scriptures. Today, the manuscript is a cornerstone for biblical scholarship and is held jointly by libraries in London, Leipzig, and St Petersburg. Its discovery reshaped our understanding of early Christian writings and textual history.