{"product_id":"athanasius-of-alexandria-papyrus-replica-4th-century-letter-to-dracontius-ancient-coptic-christian-manuscript","title":"Athanasius of Alexandria Papyrus Replica | 4th Century Letter to Dracontius | Ancient Coptic Christian Manuscript","description":"\u003cp\u003eExperience the world of fourth-century Christianity with this handcrafted replica of Chester Beatty Cpt 2044, a group of nine surviving Coptic papyrus fragments preserving portions of Athanasius of Alexandria's Letter to Dracontius.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCpt 2044 consists of nine surviving papyrus fragments from Athanasius of Alexandria’s Letter to Dracontius. The letter urges Dracontius, a monk who had withdrawn after becoming bishop, to return to his ministry. Athanasius argues that monastic devotion and faithful service to the Church are not incompatible. Dracontius apparently heeded Athanasius’s appeal: he continued as bishop, was later exiled and reappears among the bishops at the Council of Alexandria in AD 362.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur Replicas\u003cbr\u003eEach Sacred Text Replica begins with careful research and close study of the surviving ancient manuscript. The manuscript image is reproduced on premium Egyptian papyrus, reflecting the material of the original. The papyrus fibers are carefully cut and worked to recreate the irregular edges, lacunae, holes, and other signs of deterioration visible in the surviving manuscript. Because this finishing is performed individually rather than by automated cutting, subtle variations occur naturally, making each completed replica unique.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn Extraordinary Early Witness\u003cbr\u003eWhat makes this manuscript especially significant is its age. The surviving Coptic manuscript tradition dates to the same century in which Athanasius wrote the original letter. The related papyrus roll P. Monts. Roca inv. 14 is regarded as the earliest known manuscript evidence for the Letter to Dracontius, predating the earliest surviving Greek codex of the work by approximately six centuries. \u003cbr\u003eThe Coptic text is also important for reconstructing Athanasius's writings. Scholars have identified readings in this ancient translation that differ from the surviving Greek manuscripts, including material apparently lost at an early stage in the Greek textual tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Manuscript\u003cbr\u003eThe original Cpt 2044 fragments are preserved today in the Chester Beatty in Dublin, Ireland. They were produced in Egypt during the fourth century and written in Coptic on papyrus. The nine surviving fragments demonstrate the fragile transmission through which ancient Christian writings have reached the modern world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eManuscript: Cpt 2044\u003cbr\u003eWork: Letter to Dracontius\u003cbr\u003eAuthor: Athanasius of Alexandria\u003cbr\u003eDate: 4th century AD\u003cbr\u003eLanguage: Coptic\u003cbr\u003eMaterial of original: Papyrus\u003cbr\u003eOrigin: Egypt\u003cbr\u003ePresent collection: Chester Beatty, Dublin\u003cbr\u003eSacred Text Replicas — faithfully crafted · eternally inspired\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePresented in a vertical 18\" × 6.5\"  shadow box frame with glass front, designed to be hung on a wall or stand upright on a shelf or desk. The framing allows for clear viewing while protecting the papyrus surface\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCustomers have used these replicas for:\u003cbr\u003eSermon props\u003cbr\u003eBible studies\u003cbr\u003eClassroom lessons\u003cbr\u003eSeminary education\u003cbr\u003ePersonal collections\u003cbr\u003eChurch displays\u003cbr\u003eMuseum exhibits\u003cbr\u003eOffice or bookshelf displays\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInternational Orders: Applicable VAT\/GST may be collected by Etsy at checkout. Buyers are responsible for any additional customs duties, import fees, carrier charges, or other charges imposed by their country that are not collected by Etsy. International availability may vary based on the materials used in each replica.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModern Replica Only: This item is a modern replica, created for artistic and educational purposes. It is not an ancient artifact. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImage courtesy of the Chester Beatty Library. Licensed under CC BY 4.0. Adapted for this reproduction\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sacred Text Replicas","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54182262669595,"sku":null,"price":175.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1035\/2905\/4491\/files\/IMG_4081.jpg?v=1793300417","url":"https:\/\/sacredtextreplicas.com\/products\/athanasius-of-alexandria-papyrus-replica-4th-century-letter-to-dracontius-ancient-coptic-christian-manuscript","provider":"Sacred Text Replicas","version":"1.0","type":"link"}