description Codex Gigas Overview
The Codex Gigas is a massive Latin manuscript created in Bohemia during the early 13th century and now preserved at the National Library of Sweden in Stockholm. Its contents combine the complete Latin Bible with historical, medical, penitential, and reference texts, making it a substantial compendium of medieval knowledge. The volume is especially known for a full-page portrait of the Devil facing an image of the Heavenly City. Because of its exceptional dimensions and weight, it is commonly described as the largest surviving medieval manuscript.
insights Ranking position
Codex Gigas ranks #76 of 243 in the Manuscript ranking, behind Pericopes of Henry II, ahead of Spinola Hours.
help Codex Gigas FAQ
Why is the Codex Gigas called the Devil's Bible?
The nickname comes from its striking full-page portrait of the Devil, not from a satanic version of the biblical text. A later legend claimed that a monk completed the book in one night with supernatural help, but the manuscript itself provides no evidence for that story.
How large is the Codex Gigas?
Its pages measure roughly 89 by 49 centimeters, and the complete volume weighs about 75 kilograms. The National Library of Sweden describes it as the largest preserved medieval manuscript.
What texts are included besides the Bible?
The Latin Bible is joined by historical works, medical texts, a calendar, penitential material, and reference writings. This broad compilation helps explain the name Codex Gigas, meaning giant book.
How did the Codex Gigas reach Sweden?
It was taken from Emperor Rudolf II's collection in Prague by Swedish forces in 1648, at the end of the Thirty Years' War. It is now preserved and digitized by the National Library of Sweden in Stockholm.
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