THE SOURCES OF COSMAS INDICOPLEUSTES’ MINIATURES OF ANIMALS: THE CASE OF THE “UNICORN”

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to trace the sources of the Byzantine author Cosmas Indicopleustes’ miniatures of animals, in particular of the “unicornâ€, in his work Christian topography. Cosmas, a sixth century seaman and merchant, wrote his work, Christian topography, based on his personal experience travelling in the Red Sea and beyond. Although his main aim was to enhance religious beliefs, his work yields important geographical information concerning navigation, peoples and animals of various countries neighbouring the Red Sea and beyond. His description of various exotic countries is decorated with drawings and numerous designs relevant to his cosmological interpretation of the Bible. While Cosmas’ cosmological theory and the relevant designs have been studied by a number of scholars, little attention has been paid to his drawings of animals based on his travelling experience. An attempt is made in this study to trace the origin of Cosmas Indicopleustes’ illustrations of animals, focusing on the unicorn. Furthermore, a comparison with similar drawings found in Arabic manuscripts is added. An effort is also made in this study to draw information not only from the pictorial evidence but also from the literary tradition of the original Greek and Arabic sources.