During the early eighth century, three massive Bibles were produced by monks at the Wearmouth-Jarrow Abbey. Two were to stay in Northumbria, but in 716AD, the other was sent to Rome as a gift for Pope Gregory II, writes The Guardian.
Only fragments remain of the first two bibles, but the third, known as the Codex Amiatinus, and described as one of the greatest works in the Anglo-Saxon England, has remained in Italy. Until now.
For the first time in 1,302 years, the oldest surviving complete Bible in Latin is returning to the country of its creation. It will be the centerpiece of an exhibition of Anglo-Saxon art, literature, science and politics at the British Library in London.
According to Dr. Clare Breay, the lead curator, another returnee is the Vercelli Book, which has not been in country for more than 900 years. It is one of four poetic codices that contain most of the poetry to survive Old English. All four books are displayed together in a single case for the first time in history, reports The Guardian.
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