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A newly discovered Carolingian text: Candidus’ Liber testimoniorum veteris testamenti, written for Charlemagne

A 16th-century manuscript preserved at the Austrian National Library contains a copy of a substantial, previously unknown Latin text: the Liber testimoniorum veteris testamenti (‘Book of Testimonies from the Old Testament’), written by a ‘Candidus’ for a ruler named ‘Carolus’. This treatise seeks to demonstrate, through discussion and interpretation of selected passages from the books of the Heptateuch, that Jesus Christ and even the Christian Trinity are present and clearly promised in the Old Testament. In a long dedicatory letter, ‘Candidus’ states that he had composed this work at the request of ‘Carolus’, who wished to convert ‘the unbelieving people of the Agarenes’, i.e. Muslims. ‘Carolus’ is apparently none other than Charlemagne, and ‘Candidus’ is the scholar of that name from his circle, previously known as the author of some sermons and theological works. Lukas J. Dorfbauer has identified this text; he is currently preparing its first edition, to be published in the ‘CSEL Extra seriem’ series accompanied by an introduction, a translation and notes. For some initial information, please see here.