Medieval Manuscripts in Cambridge Libraries: Cambridge, Pembroke College, MS 312, no. 33

Fragment of the Codex of Justinian

Introduction: This small fragment preserves part of a copy of the Codex of Justinian, a central text for the study of civil Roman law in medieval Europe. From what little remains here, it may be possible to date the production of the original manuscript to perhaps the later 13th or 14th centuries. The text is written in a gothic bookhand and was laid out in at least two columns, evinced by the gap between two passages of text written in black ink. It was decorated with initials painted in blue, two of which are still visible: a letter I on one side of the fragment and a letter C on the other. The manuscript must have been in use for some time, since the gap between the columns is filled with annotations in a current hand, seemingly of the 15th century Dr James Freeman| Medieval Manuscripts Specialist| Cambridge University Library

Language(s): Latin

i recto-i verso

Codex Justinian

Language(s): Latin

A small fragment of a later 13th or 14th century copy of Justinian's codex. The text is still legible on one side, making possible the identification of the passage of text as CJ.6.55.2-3. The text on the other side is almost illegible.

Not identified in Thomson, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Medieval Manuscripts of Pembroke College, Cambridge (2022), nor its supplement (2022).

Physical Description

Form: codex

Support: Parchment

Extent: A single fragment, comprising one small rectangular scrap of parchment. It was apparently preserved through its use in the binding of a later book, perhaps (given its shape) as part of a spine lining . 1 item. 26-30 × 39-42 mm.

Foliation:

The fragment was numbered in 2021 as MS 312, no. 33, as part of the re-housing and conservation of Pembroke College's fragments collection.

Condition

Fragments now enclosed in melinex wallets, as part of programme of rehousing and conservation of Pembroke College's fragments collection, c. 2015.

Layout

Written in two or more columns.

Hand(s)

Written in a gothic bookhand.

Decoration

Three-line initials in blue.

Additions

Intercolumnar annotations, in a current hand of the 15th century.

History

Origin: ?Later 13th century or 14th century.

Provenance and Acquisition

Date of accession at Pembroke College unknown.

Additional Information

Availability

Researchers should note that Pembroke College's western European medieval manuscripts are housed at Cambridge University Library. Scholars who wish to consult Pembroke College manuscripts should contact the Special Collections Reading Room to arrange their visit; all University Library admissions procedures will apply. For information on eligibility and admissions procedures, see Joining the Library. For further enquiries, and to confirm the availability of the manuscript, please contact the Special Collections Reading Room.

Digital Images

Cambridge Digital Library

Abbreviations

View list of abbreviations and editorial conventions.

Medieval Manuscripts in Cambridge Libraries

Cambridge, Pembroke College, MS 312, no. 33

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