The Muratorian fragment, the earliest known list of New Testament books, was discovered by the Italian scholar Ludovico Antonio Muratori. Born in 1672 in Vignola, he served as a Catholic priest, archivist, and historian. His extensive literary and historical research bridged the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, establishing him as a central figure in European intellectual history until his death in 1750.
Early Career and Ambitions
After receiving his education at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Muratori was ordained as a priest in 1694. He soon moved to Milan, where he joined the college of Dottori at the Ambrosian Library. During this time, he began his long career of collecting and publishing unedited ancient writings, exemplified by his two-volume work, Anecdota Latina ex Ambrosianæ Bibliothecæ codicibus.
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In 1700, Duke Rinaldo I appointed Muratori archivist and librarian in Modena, a position he retained for the remainder of his life. His research efforts were monumental, most notably the twenty-eight volume series Rerum italicarum Scriptores, which documented Italian history from 500 to 1500. He also published the six-volume Antiquitates italicæ medii ævi, which provided vital historical context for his source collections.
Theological and Philosophical Inquiry
Muratori engaged deeply with religious and moral philosophy, often inviting controversy. His work De ingeniorum moderatione in religionis negotio examined the limits of freedom in religious thought, while his writings on the Immaculate Conception and the veneration of saints drew criticism. Despite this, he maintained connections with high-ranking figures, including Pope Benedict XIV and Cardinal Ganganelli.
Literary and Practical Works
Beyond history and theology, Muratori contributed to the arts and politics. He authored treatises on poetry and good taste, such as Della perfetta poesia italiana. His interest in public administration was reflected in works like Governo della Peste, which dealt with plague management, and his broad inquiries into morality and human understanding.
Fast facts
- Born: 1672, Vignola
- Died: 1750, Modena
- Burial place: Chiesa di Santa Maria della Pomposa
- Languages: Latin, Italian
- Professional roles: Priest, historian, librarian, archivist
- Academic memberships: Royal Society, Arcadian Academy, Accademia della Crusca
- Commemoration: 1950 Italian postage stamp
Questions readers ask
What is the significance of the Muratorian fragment?
It is recognized as the oldest known list of books belonging to the New Testament.
Where did Muratori perform his archival work?
He worked primarily at the Ambrosian Library in Milan and the Ducal library in Modena.
