The Matritensis 4552: a unique bilingual (Greek-Latin) witness of the Quaestiones ad Antiochum ducem (CPG 2257)

The importance of the Quaestiones ad Antiochum ducem (CPG 2257), a most fascinating collection of questions and answers discussing the position of Christianity with regard to Hellenism and Judaism, can hardly be overestimated. Not only did it come down to us in 248 Greek copies dating from the tenth to the nineteenth century, but it was also translated into Arabic, Armenian, Church Slavonic, Ethiopic, Georgian, and Latin. Although explicitly attributed to Athanasius of Alexandria by the absolute majority of these witnesses, in all probability it was written during the seventh or early eighth century. In this paper, we consider a truly unique witness of the Quaestiones ad Antiochum ducem, viz. the seventeenth-century Matritensis 4552. This is the only known copy which carries both the Greek text and a Latin translation, redacted side-by-side possibly by two different scribes. In addition to being the sole manuscript containing a nearly complete Latin translation of the Quaestiones ad Antiochum ducem, the Matritensis 4552 showcases individual peculiarities such as a conscious selection of questions and answers and a tendency not to accept the text unquestioningly. Both traits indicate a deliberate choice in content. Moreover, the Ps. Athanasian quaestiones are continuously preceded and followed by (excerpts from) other theological texts, such as the Quaestiones et responsiones by Anastasius of Sinai (CPG 7746). By analysing both textual and material evidence drawn from the Matritensis 4552, such as its mise en page and mise en texte, we shed light upon the production of the manuscript itself, its purpose and its later use in Spain in the context of contemporary theological debates, and, finally, its role within the complex tradition of the Quaestiones ad Antiochum ducem.