The First Evangelization of the Mesopotamian Regions in the Syriac Tradition: the Acta Maris As a Continuation of the Doctrina Addai
THE FIRST EVANGELIZATION OF THE MESOPOTAMIAN REGIONS IN THE SYRIAC TRADITION: THE ACTA MARIS AS A CONTINUATION OF THE DOCTRINA ADDAI Ilaria Ramelli Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan. Summary: The final wording of the Acta Maris, a Syriac document that narrates the evangelization of the Mesopotamian area, dates from the V century or even later, but it rests on earlier traditions. The present article tries to investigate the historical elements within the mythical frame. Keywords: Acta Maris - Doctrina Addai - Early Syriac Christianity - Mesopotamia Resumen: La redacción final de la Acta Maris, un documento siríaco que narra la evangelización del área mesopotámica, data del siglo V –o aún de tiempos más tardíos– pero se basa en tradiciones tempranas. El presente artículo investiga los elementos históricos dentro del marco mítico. Palabras clave: Acta Maris - Doctrina Addai - Cristianismo Siríaco Temprano- Mesopotamia In the XIX century, in a monastery of Alqôsh (Iraq) a manuscript was found containing the Story of Mar Mari, the Apostle1: in 1881 J. B. Abbeloos had it copied, and in 1885 he published it2, adding the variant readings of another manuscript3. E. Sachau collated yet another manuscript (S = Sachau 222, Berlin ms. 75), which derived from that of Alqôsh: the variant readings 1 In the title, Mar, the equivalent of Latin dominus, is a Syriac honorary title used for the saints, the bishops and other important men. I wish to thank very warmly Prof. David Konstan (Brown University, Providence, R.I.), who read this paper with his usual generosity and offered precious observations, and Prof. Alberto Camplani (University “La Sapienza”, Rome), who encouraged me to study the Acta Maris and kindly paid attention to my work and provided so useful suggestions.
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