Dr. Paul Dilley (Iowa) to speak on “The Medinet Madi Library of Manichaean Codices: New Sources for the Global History of Religions”

Abstract

The Manichaean Codices from Madinet Madi, Egypt—discovered in 1929—constitute one of the greatest troves of ancient manuscripts preserved to this day. Less well known than other discoveries such as the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Nag Hammadi Library, only half of these codices have been published due to their precarious materiality. The problems posed by these texts are a result of their preservation, but great steps are being taken by relying on modern technologies, such as Multispectral Imaging and X-ray tomography. The renewed visibility of the ink has led directly to new insights on Manichaean religion. Professor Dilley will show how the codices of the Medinet Madi Library illuminate the religious beliefs and practices of Mani's followers in their remarkably global context.

Dr. Paul Tilley is Associate Professor of Ancient Mediterranean Religions at the University of Iowa.

The lecture will be held in person in 121 Borland.