Workshop "Greek Codicology and Palaeography: An Introduction"

The course focuses on the study of the Greek manuscript book, from the archaeological observation of its structure to the deciphering of its content. It aims to provide a basic knowledge about the making of the manuscript book, its techniques and materials, over the centuries. Moreover, it explores the development of the Greek handwriting between late-antiquity and the 12th century. The students will be provided with the tools to analyse a manuscript from a codicological point of view and to read the principal kinds of Greek book hands (majuscules and minuscules) up to the middle Byzantine period. Lectures will be alternated with practical interactive sessions during which the participants will learn how to read and diplomatically transcribe selected extracts from Greek manuscripts, as well as prepare a manuscript description using the appropriate technical terminology.