Making History Come Alive Newsletter Offers The Devil's Bible, formally known as the Codex Gigas, is one of the most intriguing and enigmatic manuscripts in history.

It is renowned not only for its size but also for its striking illustrations and the legends that surround its creation. Below is a comprehensive exploration of the history, characteristics, and myths associated with this extraordinary book.

Historical Background

- Origin: The Codex Gigas is believed to have been created in the early 13th century, around 1200 AD, in the Benedictine monastery of Podlažice in Bohemia, now part of the Czech Republic. Its name, "Gigas," means "giant" in Latin, which is fitting given that it measures approximately 36 inches tall, 20 inches wide, and 8.7 inches thick, making it the largest surviving medieval manuscript in the world.

- Creation: According to legend, the Codex Gigas was created by a single monk who was said to have written it in just one night. As the story goes, the monk, facing punishment for breaking his monastic vows, promised to create a book that would glorify the monastery and include all human knowledge, hoping to avoid execution. To achieve this monumental task, he allegedly made a pact with the Devil, which is how the manuscript obtained its notorious moniker.

Physical Description

- Content: The Codex Gigas comprises 310 parchment leaves made from calfskin, containing a variety of texts, including:
- The Bible: A large portion is dedicated to the Latin Vulgate translation of the Bible.
- Historical Works: It includes works such as the "Chronicle of the Bohemian Lands," which provides historical accounts of the region.
- Medical Texts: Various medical writings and practical guides, reflecting the knowledge and practices of the time.
- Occult and Magical Texts: The manuscript also contains references to magic, astrology, and other esoteric topics, further enhancing its mystique.

- Illustrations: The most famous illustration is a full-page depiction of the Devil, which is strikingly rendered and contributes to the manuscript’s ominous reputation. The image is accompanied by Latin text describing the Devil, emphasizing themes of sin and redemption.

Myths and Legends

- The Monk and the Devil: The legend of the monk's pact with the Devil is the most enduring myth surrounding the Codex Gigas.