The Codex and the Illuminated Manuscript | 1st century AD

Post an example of a scroll.

 

What were the drawbacks of the scroll?

They allowed sequential usage where readers had to read the text in the order it was written.

Post an example of a codex.

 

What is a codex?
A covered and bound collection of hand-written pages.

"Codex" is derived from the Latin meaning "block of wood". Why?
They were sturdy like a block of wood.

What is the difference between "sequential access" and "random access"?
"Random access" mans one can go to any point to find information while "sequential access" meaning one must go through the scroll to find a certain passage

What were the advantages of using the codex?
Compactness, sturdiness, and ease of reference;"random access", can be opened flat to any page, more portable

What helped spread the use of the codex?
The rise of Christianity which adopted it for the early Bible
   

What replaced papyrus? Describe the process used to create it?
Parchment; hair and fat were removed from an animal hide and the skin was smoothed out, the hide was soaked in water, calcium, flour, and salt were added, and the skin was stretched out, flattened and dried

What is vellum?
Fine parchment originally made from the skin of a calf

Name several examples of current technology that utilizes the format of the codex? Dictionaries, paperback books

What led to a period of cultural and economical deterioration?

Decline of the Roman Empire which led to the "dark ages"

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?
The borders, illustrations, and ornamentation added to each page of text

What tool was used for creating the illuminated manuscripts?
quill pens

Why were these manuscripts reserved for religious purposes?
Because the work was laborious 

What is craftsmanship? Why is it important?
Skill in an occupation or trade. It's important because the more skilled you are, the better and more accurately the work can be done.

The Roman Alphabet | 7th century BC

What was the basis of the Roman uppercase alphabet?  

It refined several distinct styles of lettering which were used for different purposes.

What were the purposes of the formal and informal styles of lettering? 

Formal was used for important manuscripts and official documents; informal was used for letters and routine types of writing.

Why is the Roman alphabet the most widely used and what contributions did it make?

The creative of serifs and the institution of baseline in topography and penmanship 

From where did serifs originate?

In Ancient Italy from the carving of stones

When and where did lowercase, or minuscule, letters develop?  

During Ancient Roman times and in Rome

What is a ligature and why were they utilized?  

The running together of letters in manuscript; they were used to prevent a scratch at the end of the stone carving. 

Post an example of the Roman alphabet in visual form.