# Ulfilas

> Goth Arian bishop, missionary, theologian, and Bible translator

**Wikidata**: [Q107317](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q107317)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulfilas)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ulfilas

## Summary
Ulfilas (also known as Wulfila) was a Goth Arian bishop, missionary, theologian, and Bible translator. He is best known for creating the Gothic script and translating the Bible into the Gothic language, making it the first complete Bible translation into a Germanic language.

## Biography
- Born: c. 311 (approximate date)
- Nationality: Gothic
- Education: Unknown (no details provided)
- Known for: Developing the Gothic script and translating the Bible into Gothic
- Employer(s): Arian community (no specific institutions listed)
- Field(s): Theology, linguistics, mission work

## Contributions
- **Gothic Script**: Created the Gothic script in the 4th century, which was used to translate the Bible into Gothic. This script was a unicameral alphabet designed specifically for the Gothic language.
- **Bible Translation**: Produced the first complete translation of the Bible into a Germanic language, known as the *Codex Argenteus* (or *Bible of Ulfilas*). This translation played a crucial role in preserving early Christian texts in the Gothic language.

## FAQs
- **What was Ulfilas's primary role?**
  Ulfilas was a Goth Arian bishop, missionary, theologian, and Bible translator. He is most famous for his work in creating the Gothic script and translating the Bible into Gothic.

- **What is the significance of the Gothic script?**
  The Gothic script, created by Ulfilas, was a unicameral alphabet used to translate the Bible into Gothic. It was a key development in preserving early Christian texts in a Germanic language.

- **What is the *Codex Argenteus*?**
  The *Codex Argenteus* (or *Bible of Ulfilas*) is the first complete translation of the Bible into a Germanic language, produced by Ulfilas. It is a significant historical document in the study of early Christian literature.

## Why They Matter
Ulfilas's contributions to linguistics and theology were foundational in preserving early Christian texts in the Gothic language. His Gothic script and Bible translation ensured that the Bible was accessible to the Gothic people, reinforcing Christian identity and doctrine among the Goths. Without his work, the Gothic language and its religious texts would have been lost to history.

## Notable For
- Developed the Gothic script, the first alphabet used to translate the Bible into a Germanic language.
- Produced the *Codex Argenteus*, the first complete Bible translation into a Germanic language.
- Played a key role in the Arian community as a bishop and missionary.

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Ulfilas was born around 311 and belonged to the Gothic people. Little is known about his early life, but he became a prominent figure in the Arian Christian community. His work as a bishop and missionary involved spreading Christian teachings among the Goths.

### Linguistic and Theological Contributions
Ulfilas is best known for his linguistic achievements. He created the Gothic script, a unicameral alphabet, which was used to translate the Bible into Gothic. This script was a significant development in the preservation of early Christian texts in a Germanic language.

### The *Codex Argenteus*
Ulfilas's most notable work was the *Codex Argenteus*, also known as the *Bible of Ulfilas*. This manuscript contains the first complete translation of the Bible into a Germanic language. The translation was crucial for the Gothic people, as it allowed them to read the Bible in their own language, reinforcing their Christian faith and identity.

### Legacy and Influence
Ulfilas's contributions to theology and linguistics had a lasting impact. His Gothic script and Bible translation ensured that the Gothic language and its religious texts were preserved for future generations. The *Codex Argenteus* remains a valuable historical document, providing insights into early Christian literature and the Gothic people's religious practices.

### Death and Historical Record
Ulfilas died around 383. His work as a bishop, missionary, and translator left a lasting legacy in the Gothic community and the broader field of early Christian literature. The Gothic script and the *Codex Argenteus* continue to be studied by scholars and historians today.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Library of the World's Best Literature
3. [Source](https://referenceworks.brillonline.com/entries/brill-encyclopedia-of-early-christianity-online/wulfila-SIM_036479?lang=fr)
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. BnF authorities
6. [Google Books](https://books.google.be/books?id=35ulCQAAQBAJ)
7. [Google Books](https://books.google.be/books?id=Rq30AwAAQBAJ)
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index16.html)
10. CERL Thesaurus
11. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
12. Enciclopedia Treccani
13. LIBRIS. 2017
14. Dizionario di Storia
15. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands