The Codices of Berat, the purple treasure of Albania
“Culture in 1 Minute” – Episode 29.
The Purple Codex, in the physical state it was discovered on August 12, 1968. Photo: Media Amfora
The oldest historical document preserved today in Albania has reached us through the sacrifice of the residents of Berat. With the accession to the throne of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian, the copying and preservation of historical documents was ordered.
The “First Codex of Berat”, written on purple parchment and containing the Gospels according to Matthew and Mark, also dates back to the 6th century. While the second Codex with letters of gold, contains the complete text of the four gospels.
Learn more through the video above and watch the interview with Anila Droboniku, guide of the Onufri National Iconographic Museum, who recounts the centuries-long efforts of the invaders to loot them and how the secret of their hiding place was revealed, transferring them to the funds state, after the discovery on August 12, 1968, where they were hidden inside the Castle of Berat, under the floor of the Kisha “Fjetja e Shën Mërisë” (“The Dormition of Saint Mary” Church), which today has been adapted to the Onufri National Iconographic Museum.
Video team:
Producer and narrator: Geri Emiri
Historical information: Dorian Hatibi
Video-Production: Arlind Veshti
References:
1. “Kodikët e Shqipërisë”, Autorë: Alfred Moisiu, Aleks Buda, Anthimus Alexoudes, Erich Trapp, Johannes Koder, Kaliopi Naska, Koïchiro Matsuura, Kosta Naçi, Llambrini Mitrushi, Nevila Nika, Pierre Batiffol, Roderic L. Mullen, Shaban Sinani, Theofan Popa, Tiranë, 2003;
2. “Kodiku i Purpurt i Beratit”, Banka e Shqipërisë;
3. Photos of the codices: Amfora Media.
