Writing Sinaiticus: Reviving the Craft of Ancient Manuscripts

Welcome to Writing Sinaiticus, a personal project inspired by one of the greatest treasures of the ancient world: the Codex Sinaiticus. This blog chronicles my journey as I recreate a complete Greek Biblical codex in the style of Codex Sinaiticus, using historically accurate methods, materials, and tools. It is an exploration of craftsmanship, history, and devotion to the art of manuscript writing.

The Inspiration 

The Codex Sinaiticus, a 4th-century manuscript of the Christian Bible, is a masterpiece of human ingenuity and spiritual devotion. Written on parchment made from hundreds of animal skins, this monumental work was produced by dedicated scribes using reed pens and carbon ink, painstakingly copying the entire text by hand. It is not just a book but a testimony to the scribes’ skill and dedication, as well as to the enduring power of the written word.

I was drawn to this project by a lifelong fascination with ancient texts and the processes by which they were created. As a scribe with experience writing Torah scrolls, I’ve long appreciated the profound connection between the physical act of writing and the spiritual weight of sacred scripture. Recreating a codex in the style of Codex Sinaiticus is my way of stepping into the shoes of the ancient scribes—immersing myself in their methods, tools, and challenges, and sharing the experience with a wider audience.

 

The Project

My goal is not to create an exact facsimile of Codex Sinaiticus but to craft a new codex in its style, staying faithful to the materials and techniques of the 4th century. Here’s a glimpse of what this involves:

• Parchment: The codex requires approximately 360-370 goatskins for the writing, prepared as parchment. Each skin is carefully inspected, stretched, and thinned to meet the demands of manuscript production.

• Ink: I am using a carbon-based ink, similar to the ancient inks used in Codex Sinaiticus. It flows smoothly and can be corrected with a simple scrape of the parchment—a technique perfected by ancient scribes.

• Tools: Writing is done with reed pens, carefully cut and shaped to replicate the tools used in antiquity. This requires adjusting pen angles and nib widths to achieve the clean, bold strokes of uncial script.

• Script: The codex is being written in Greek uncial script, a rounded and elegant style typical of the period. With its four-column layout, scriptio continua (continuous writing without word separation), and precisely ruled lines, the layout mirrors the structure of the original Codex Sinaiticus.

• Time and Labor: Writing a codex of this scale is an enormous undertaking. With over 1,000 leaves (about 8,800 columns of text) and thousands of hours of work, this project will span several years. I aim to balance the demands of historical accuracy with the practical realities of modern life, working steadily toward the completion of the codex.

Why This Blog?

Through this blog, I want to document the process, challenges, and triumphs of creating a manuscript using ancient methods. My hope is that Writing Sinaiticus becomes more than a personal journal—it’s an invitation for readers to learn about the art and history of manuscript production and to reflect on the enduring significance of books in human culture.

Here are some of the topics I’ll explore:

• The process of preparing parchment, mixing ink, and shaping reed pens.

• Reflections on the spiritual and historical significance of scripture in codex form.

• Insights into the daily work of scribes in the ancient world.

• Comparisons between modern tools and the original materials.

• Challenges and creative solutions in replicating historical techniques.

Join the Journey

This blog is for anyone who loves the intersection of art, history, and spirituality. Whether you’re a scholar, a calligrapher, or simply curious about ancient manuscripts, I hope you’ll find something to inspire you here.

Writing this codex is not just about recreating the past—it’s about connecting with it, understanding the dedication and craftsmanship of those who came before us, and celebrating the legacy of the written word. I invite you to follow along, ask questions, and share your thoughts as we explore this incredible journey together.

Stay tuned for regular updates, photos, and reflections as I bring this ambitious project to life.

The opening of the Gospel according to St. Matthew, old and new.

At time of writing I have finished the first 8 chapters of Matthew's Gospel