The Crosby-Schøyen Codex, which is considered one of the world’s oldest books and “Christianity’s oldest religious book,” has been sold at auction at Christie’s for a staggering £2.5 million.

Written in Coptic script on papyrus in Egypt, the codex dates back to between 250-350 AD. It was expected to fetch up to $3.8 million (£3 million).

Eugenio Donadoni, the senior specialist for books and manuscripts at Christie’s, stressed its significance, stating that the text is of “monumental importance as a witness to the earliest spread of Christianity around the Mediterranean.”

He added, “The earliest monks in Upper Egypt in the earliest Christian monastery were using this very book to celebrate the earliest Easter celebrations, only a few hundred years after Christ and only a hundred or so years after the last Gospel was written.”

What is the Crosby Schøyen Code?

The Crosby-Schøyen Codex stands as the earliest known book in private possession and ranks among the earliest books in existence. It is recognised as the earliest Christian liturgical book and contains the earliest complete texts of two books of the Bible—1 Peter and Jonah—as well as one of the earliest and most complete texts of Melito’s tractate on the Passover. In addition, it provides one of the earliest accounts of Maccabees in any language.

This manuscript is a key part of the Bodmer Papyri, a diverse collection of texts discovered in the 1950s that includes Christian writings, Biblical extracts, and pagan literature. The manuscript itself features the first complete epistle of Peter, the Book of Jonah, and an Easter homily. Written by a single scribe at the beginning of Christianity over a period of 40 years, it encompasses 104 pages or 52 leaves.

The 20th century witnessed four major discoveries of buried papyri and parchments that significantly advanced the study of the Bible and early Christianity. These include the Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered from 1947 in the Judaean Desert, containing materials in Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic and dating from the 2nd century BC to the 1st century AD.

Dr Meredith Warren, senior lecturer in Biblical and Religious Studies at the University of Sheffield, states that part of the ancient Coptic manuscript reveals the rise of antisemitism. Writing for The Conversation, she said that the Melito of Sardis’ homily on Passover, which was composed between 160 and 170 AD in Asia Minor, is a “chilling sermon” that “spares no detail in its antisemitic hatred and disgust for Jews. It is explicit in identifying Jews as responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus.”

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The other finds, all preserved in Egypt’s dry sands, include the Chester Beatty Biblical Papyri discovered in 1930, the Nag Hammadi Library discovered in 1945, and the Bodmer Papyri discovered in the early 1950s. These discoveries, particularly the Bodmer Papyri, have revolutionised the understanding of early Christian writings with their extensive range in language, date, and content.

The codex eventually found its way to the University of Mississippi and remained there until 1981 before being acquired several times, finally landing in the hands of Norwegian manuscript collector Dr. Martin Schøyen in 1988. The Crosby-Schøyen Codex is part of the Bodmer Papyri find, which was reportedly discovered in an underground chamber near Asyut, Egypt, according to accounts from local traditions and the transactions of Bodmer’s secretary, Odile Bongard, with dealer Phocion Tano.

The story of Dr. Schøyen’s collecting journey began in Florence in 1955, when at 15 years old, he acquired his first antiquarian book—a manuscript of Sermons from around 1300. This initial purchase sparked a lifelong passion, influenced by his father, Engineer Martin O. Schøyen, and leading to one of the most extensive manuscript collections known.

By the late 1980s, Schøyen had become a prominent figure among auction houses, academics, and dealers, celebrated for a collection that spans over 5,000 years of writing and literary culture, an achievement marking him among the great bibliophiles of history.

Which is the first book in the world?

The earliest surviving written literature originates from ancient Mesopotamia. Among its treasures, the Epic of Gilgamesh stands as a foundational work, while earlier texts like the “Kesh Temple Hymn” and “The Instructions of Shuruppak” predate it.

In terms of texts compiled in a book format, the following are considered among the oldest. However, what is considered a book is often debated.

Gutenberg Bible (Estimated age: 559 years)

Produced in 1454–1455 AD by Johannes Gutenberg in Mainz, Germany, the Gutenberg Bible is seen as the world’s oldest mechanically printed book. This milestone in Western printing technology is known for its 48 surviving copies, 21 of which are complete, with the New York Public Library housing one notable edition.

Celtic Psalter (Estimated age: 938 years)

Known as Scotland’s oldest book, the Celtic Psalter is a compact 11th-century Psalms book. It went on public display at the University of Edinburgh in 2009, celebrated for its historical and artistic value.

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Diamond Sūtra (Estimated age: 1,145 years)

This Buddhist scripture is the world’s oldest surviving dated printed book. Found in a sealed cave in China, it was printed in May 868 AD and features an inscription about its creation.

Siddur, Jewish Prayer Book (Estimated age: 1,173 years)

Discovered in 2013, this Jewish prayer book dates back to around 840 AD. It includes Babylonian vowel pointing, offering insights into the religious practices of the Middle Ages.

Book of Kells (Estimated age: 1,213 years)

Located in Trinity College Library, Dublin, the Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript Gospel book crafted around 800 AD by Celtic monks, renowned for its exquisite illustrations.

St Cuthbert Gospel (Estimated age: 1,315 years)

Europe’s oldest known intact book, the St Cuthbert Gospel, was buried with St. Cuthbert around 698 AD and survived through historical tumults. It was acquired by the British Library in 2012.

Nag Hammadi Library (Estimated age: 1,693 years)

Found in 1945 in Upper Egypt, this collection of 13 leather-bound papyrus codices contains Gnostic texts from the 4th century AD, providing crucial insights into early Christian thought.

Etruscan Gold Book (Estimated age: 2,673 years)

Dating back to around 660 BC, this is thought to be the world’s oldest multi-page book. Made of 24-carat gold sheets, it features Etruscan characters and various figures, and is housed in Bulgaria’s National History Museum in Sofia.

UPDATED: Final price added on June 11.