Ethiopia Objected to Sale of Ancient Gospel Manuscript
The Gospel Book of Tewodros II was listed for sale at an international book fair in Abu Dhabi.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Books
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Ethiopian officials have rejected an offer to purchase an ancient Gospel manuscript that was listed for $288,500. The authorities demanded the return of the artifact, citing its status as a vital part of national cultural heritage.
Why it matters
The dispute highlights ongoing efforts by nations to reclaim cultural property seized during historical conflicts. Ethiopia views the manuscript as an essential piece of its identity rather than a commercial asset.
The 18th-century manuscript contains 218 folios and 235 illustrations. It was listed for public sale at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair for approximately $288,500.
The players
Inlibris
Inlibris is an Austrian bookseller that listed the historic Ethiopian Gospel manuscript for public sale.
Tewodros II
Tewodros II was the Emperor of Ethiopia whose name is associated with the historical Gospel Book manuscript.
The details
The Gospel Book of Tewodros II was reportedly seized by British troops during an expedition to Magdala in 1868. After passing through various private and institutional collections, the Austrian bookseller Inlibris offered the work for sale with a discount for Ethiopia, which was subsequently rejected by officials.
Timeline
The manuscript was written between 1730 and 1740.
British troops seized the item in 1868.
The manuscript was listed for sale in September 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The debate over the manuscript follows a long-standing pattern regarding cultural artifacts taken during the 1868 British expedition to Magdala. This incident reflects broader Hollywood and global market pressures to reconcile the ownership of antiquities held in private collections.
The public sale of the manuscript is currently halted following the official objection from Ethiopian authorities. Future access to the artifact remains uncertain as the dispute between private sellers and national governments continues.
The takeaway
This case illustrates the complex intersection of global book markets and the ethics of historical ownership. Collectors and institutions are increasingly expected to account for the provenance of cultural artifacts before listing them for sale.
Further reading
For more coverage on historical archives and literary preservation, visit Books.
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