Abstract
The article tries to contextualize the so called “diagram of the Ophites” in the history of scientific book illustration in Antiquity. This kind of illustration (διαγράμματα) could not only found in different literary genres, but also ‘diagrams’ here used in different contexts of teaching (πίνακες), for example in the Platonic Academy at Athens. Other Gnostic diagrams like the famous illustrations of the “First Book of Jeû” in the Oxford Brucianus should also be compared with scientific diagrams like the διαγράμματα in the commentary on the Timaeus of Calcidius. The ‘scientific level’ of such attempts of Christians to reach standards of their time was in some parts more or less low, as can be seen on the famous illustrations of the Christian Topography of Cosmas Indigopleustes compared with John Philoponus. Perhaps it is possible also to interpret Mani’s “picture-book” (εἰκών) within this framework.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Zeitschrift für Antikes Christentum / Journal of Ancient Christianity
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
