The Garima Gospels, also known as the Ethiopian Bible, are believed to be the oldest illustrated Christian Bible in existence.
Written on goat skin parchment in the early 5th century CE, these extraordinary manuscripts have been preserved for nearly 1,600 years at the Garima Monastery near Adwa in Ethiopiaโs Tigray region.
According to tradition, the Gospels were copied in just one day by a monk named Abba Garima, who was said to have received divine help to complete the monumental task. The books are renowned for their stunning, vibrant illustrations and remarkable state of preservation.
The Ethiopian Heritage Fund has played a key role in recent conservation efforts to protect this priceless religious and cultural treasure.
Today, the Garima Gospels stand as one of Ethiopiaโs greatest historical treasures and offer a rare window into the early history of Christianity in Africa.