Ambrosian Iliad
Hiding behind the term Ambrosian Iliad are 51 fragments of a large-format parchment manuscript of Homer’s Iliad, which was manufactured in Egyptian Alexandria ca. 500. Of particular importance are the 58 miniatures, which boast an enormous variety of compositional schemes. Sensational single combat, as well as dramatic battle scenes with complex figures can be found. Unfortunately, these depictions are the only parts to survive from the illustrated ancient edition of Homer’s work. Along with the Vergilus Vaticanus and Vergilius Romanus, it is one of only three surviving manuscripts of classical literature from antiquity.
Ambrosian Iliad
The Iliad, Homer’s mythical epic represents the beginning of European intellectual and literary history and thematized the ten-year war for the city of Troy. However, the Ambrosian Iliad designates a very special specimen of this literary work. It consists of 51 fragments of a large-format, illustrated manuscript in landscape format, which was manufactured in Egyptian Alexandria ca 500. 58 fascinating miniatures, indicating a considerable variety of composition are to be found on the surviving sheets. Thus, there are impressive battle scenes, exciting single combat, and tranquil scenes of magnificent architectures. This manuscript occupies a singular position above all because it is the only surviving specimen of Homer’s Iliad to originate from antiquity.
Packaged War Stories
In 24 books, the author portrays the dramatic stories that occurred in the last 51 days of the ten-year-long war between the Greeks and the Trojans. The catalyst for this struggle, in which the gods also take sides, was the abduction of Helen, the gorgeous sister-in-law of the Mycenaean King Agamemnon, by the Trojan Prince Paris. In all likelihood, the dramatic stories are not based on a single historic conflict between the two parties 1200 year before Christ. It is more likely that tales of numerous armed conflicts during antiquity flowed into the literary depiction.
Homer – Only a Legend?
In fact, there is no verified evidence proving the existence of Homer as a historical person. Everything that is known about him today is based on subsequent legends. According to these, the Greek poet is supposed to have performed his art primarily in port cities for the entertainment and edification of the common people. If there actually was a Homer, then he was the first poet of the western world whose works have been handed down to us today in writing.
Codicology
- Alternative Titles
- Homers Ilias Picta
Ilias Ambrosiana
Ilias Picta
Iliade Ambrosiana
Homerus, Ilias, fragmenta chartacea (Ilias picta) - Size / Format
- 51 leaves / 18.6 × 22.0 cm
- Origin
- Egypt
- Date
- Around 500
- Epochs
- Style
- Genre
- Language
- Script
- Greek Uncial
- Illustrations
- 58 illuminations
- Content
- Homer's Iliad: text (partially) and pictures (including battle scenes and noble scenes)
- Previous Owners
- Gian Vincenzo Pinelli (1535–1601)
Federico Borromeo (1564–1631), cardinal and Archbishop of Milan
Ambrosian Iliad
Greeks Feasting in their Encampment
After landing near Troy and constructing defenses around their camp, the Greeks are shown celebrating their successful journey across the Aegean Sea and the establishment of their base with a feast. A servant tends to a large pot over a fire as two soldiers bring back large platters of food to their comrades who are seated in small groups before tents of various colors. Some of the soldiers wear helmets and breast plates while others are bare-headed and unarmored.

Ambrosian Iliad
The Greeks March to the Walls of Troy
After the Trojans are defeated in battle by Achilles and the rest of the Greeks, they are driven back to the city where they take refuge behind the great walls of Troy. All except for Hector, who stands outside the gate alone in the upper left corner of the page. The Greeks approach in lockstep with their multi-colored shields raised to protect them from arrows.
One of the most notable features of the Iliad is its detailed descriptions of the tactics, arms, and armor of the ancient warriors, which are reflected in this manuscript’s wonderful miniatures. Despite the damage to the parchment, this scene is highly realistic and shows the figures in natural poses with their feet firmly planted in wide stances and ready for combat.

#1 Ilias Picta
Language: Spanish
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