Western Medieval Manuscripts : Isaac of Nineveh (Isaac the Syrian)

Western Medieval Manuscripts

<p style='text-align: justify;'>This manuscript contains sermons and epistles by <i>Isaac of Nineveh (Isaac the Syrian)</i>, mystical theologian of the 7th century. As bishop of Nineveh, he retired to live in solitude in Khuzistan. Some of his works, originally composed in Syriac, were translated into Greek in the 9th century by Patrikios and Abramios, monks of the Lavra of St. Sabas in Palestine. </p><p style='text-align: justify;'>The codex is formed by a principal, older, part (I) and a later addition (part II). </p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Part I (ff. 2-358) has been copied entirely by one hand, datable to the 14th century. This part has suffered some damage: some leaves have been lost at the beginning, in the middle and at the end. </p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Part II (ff. 359-368) looks like a restoration. It was put in place between the end of the 16th century and the first decade of the 17th by a scribe originating from Athens, Michael Antristos, who was active in the years 1584-1610, and lived in Constantinople in 1599 and 1601 (see RGK I, no. 277). He added the ending of the last text and restored it in some parts where the ink had faded due to water stains.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Dr Erika Elia</p>