Metz Codex

The famous Metz Codex is an astronomical manuscript from the early 9th century. The codex was made at the behest of Drogo, Bishop of Metz and one of the sons of Charlemagne. Drawing on a manuscript from late antiquity as a template the Metz Codex possesses an astronomical calendar for the precise calculation of church feasts or the like. The gorgeously colored figures, which illustrates the pages, are particularly interesting: representations of ancient zodiac symbols. The manuscript is a historical source of the first rank and offers a magnificent glimpse into the mysteries of 9th century astronomy.

A Carolingian Zodiac Cycle

This precious manuscript from the Carolingian period is stored in the Spanish National Library. The fascinating 9th century work of astronomy unfolds on 152 pages measuring 31.5 x 25 cm. Drawing on ancient manuscripts, the astronomical handbook contains expositions on cosmology and chronology according to the constellations of Aratus. The astronomical calendar made seemingly precise calculations of the church feasts possible, but also had a religious and political dimension.

The Famous Patron

The patron of this astronomic treatise was Drogo, Bishop of Metz. Drogo (801–855) was a son of Charlemagne and half-brother to Louis the Pious. He was originally the Abbot of Luxeuil and was eventually named Bishop of Metz in 823. The powerful Carolingian was a great patron and lover of the arts. The splendid décor of the Metz Cathedral was his doing.

Recourse to Antiquity

The Metz Codex was presumably made ca. 810 at the Benedictine Abbey in Prüm. The wonderful Carolingian manuscript is also designed in a most artistic fashion. Symbolic figures of the constellations illustrate the manuscript, entirely as prescribed by the classical conception of figures. The reversion to Roman and Greek examples from Antiquity is clear here. The ancient signs of the zodiac were copied from a late-antique manuscript as a template. Each of the pages is illustrated with two to three finely colored, naturalistic figures of great artistry, respectively. The manuscript was originally subdivided into seven books, unfortunately only five of them remain today.