TheCodex Sangallensis 190 and the transmission of the classical tradition during late antiquity and the early middle ages

Abstract

TheCodex Sangallensis 190 was written at an undetermined location in the late eighth or early ninth century. With the exception of two hagiographical pieces, it contains various epistolographic works, including a number of documents known from no other source, such as letters of Faustus of Riez (ca. 460–495), Ruricius of Limoges (ca. 485–510), and Desiderius of Cahors (ca. 630–655). This study reconstructs the manner in which the material in theSangallensis was assembled, preserved, and used. It suggests that the collection arose in Ruricius’ private archive and was later preserved and expanded in the time of Desiderius. Subsequently, additional documents were attracted into the compilation. By the ninth century, the collection had made its way to the area of St. Gallen, where it appears to have been cited in the context of a literary circle that included the bishops of Constance. TheSangallensis 190 therefore has much to say about how the literary works of Late Antiquity were preserved and used in literary-cum-family circles from the fifth through the ninth centuries.