The Date of Codex Sinaiticus: Revisiting Milne and Skeat’s Numerical Argument

Abstract

Abstract This article presents new evidence relevant to H. J. M. Milne and T. C. Skeat’s argument for the date of Codex Sinaiticus, which they described as ‘not likely to be much later than about A.D. 360’. Such precision derived in part from their observation of an ‘old system’ of scribal figures for numerals in the thousands found in the codex. In addition to presenting many new relevant comparanda, this study also provides a critical examination of the argument itself. It is argued that although many of Milne and Skeat’s observations were correct, their appeal to numerals to establish a terminus ante quem for Codex Sinaiticus is invalid.