Two codex of Berat, Beratinus 1 and Beratinus 2 have been recorded in the Memory of the World as rare and unique objects that carry irreplaceable value of humanity. Protected by UNESCO, the codices of Berat were recorded by the experts at the Consultative International Committee of UNESCO.
As two of the most valuable treasures of the Albanian cultural heritage, the codices are important for the development of ancient biblical, liturgical and hagiographical literature worldwide.
190-page Gospel manuscript Beratinus-1, which dates from the first half of the sixth century, was found in a church in Berat. One of the oldest examples of the New Testament writings, Beratinus 1 is believed that it was given to a church in southern Illyria by the Emperor of Constantinople in the sixth century. Beratinus 2 was also found in Berat and dates back to the ninth century. As one of the world’s seven “purple codices” to have survived to the present day, the 420-page Gospel manuscript provides a very unique evidence of ancient evangelical and liturgical literature development.
Mà©moire du Monde program, which was established by UNESCO in 1992, aims to record all important and precious values of humanity all over the world. The program registered 91 collections from 45 UNESCO member states in 2003.
