Friday, March 9, 2012

#5 The codex and the illuminated manuscript | 1 Centry AD

Post an example of a scroll.

What were the drawbacks of the scroll?

One drawback was that they only allowed for sequential usage.  Readers must read the text in the order it was written.
 
Post an example of a codex.
What is a codex?

A codex is covered and bound collection of hand written pages.
                    "Codex" is derived from the Latin meaning "block of wood". Why?

It was very compact, sturdy, and had an ease of access.
                                  What is the difference between "sequential access" and "random access"?
Sequential access is when one must go through the scroll to find a certain passage.  Random Access is when one can go to any point to find information.
What were the advantages of using the codex?

Some avantages were "random access" which means one can go to any point to find information, it can be open flat to any page, and they are more portable.
 What helped spread the use of the codex?

They believe is spread with the rise of christianity.  Christians adopted the format for the early Bible.
                                                                                   What replaced papyrus? Describe the process used to create it?        Parchment which was a substrate made from animal skin such as sheep, goats, and cows.  Hair and fat were removed and the skin was smoothed out.  He hide was soaked in water.  Calcium, flour and salt were added.  The skin was stretched out, flattened and dried.                                                         What is vellum?

Vellum is finer qualities of parchment were made from the skins of young calves.
 Name several examples of current technology that utilizes the format of the codex?
 
Kindle and Ipad
                                                                                  What led to a period of cultural and economical deterioration?
 
The decline of the Roman Empire led to fewer books being created.
            Post an example of an illuminated manuscript.

Who began creating books by hand, taking the creation to an art form?
Monastic Monks
What does "illumination" refer to? What was included in this ornamentation?
Illumination refers to the borders, illustrations and ornamentation added to each page of text.  Ornamentation included initials of chapters or paragraphs, painting in margins, borders, and around text.
What tool was used for creating the illuminated manuscripts?
They used natural quill pens to create highly intricate and detailed work. 
Why were these manuscripts reserved for religious purposes?
They were reserved because their work was laborious illuminated manuscripts.

What is craftsmanship? Why is it important?
Craftsmanship is practicing a traded skill or handicraft.  It is important because some of it still exists today.

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