scholion

A scholion is a marginal note or commentary added to a text, typically found in ancient and medieval manuscripts. These annotations were commonly used by scribes, scholars, and readers to provide explanations, corrections, or additional information related to the main text. The practice of adding scholia was particularly prevalent in classical antiquity and throughout the Byzantine period.

Scholia serve multiple purposes in textual transmission. They often contain grammatical explanations, definitions of obscure words, historical context, or references to other works. In many cases, scholia preserve valuable information that would otherwise be lost, including alternative readings of texts, biographical details about authors, or citations of now-lost sources. Some scholia are brief glosses, while others are extensive treatises that substantially expand upon the original text.

The most well-known examples of scholia appear in manuscripts of classical Greek and Latin literature. Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, for instance, are accompanied by ancient scholia that provide mythological background and explain archaic vocabulary. Similarly, works by Aristophanes, Euripides, and other classical authors contain scholia that have become essential sources for understanding ancient literary criticism and textual interpretation.

Scholia are not limited to classical texts. Medieval Christian manuscripts frequently include scholia that offer theological interpretations or cross-references to biblical passages. Islamic manuscript traditions also employed similar annotation practices, with marginal notes appearing in copies of the Quran and other religious texts.

Modern scholars study scholia as important evidence for understanding how ancient and medieval readers interpreted texts. These annotations provide insight into educational practices, linguistic knowledge, and cultural context of different historical periods. Many scholia have been collected and published separately from their parent texts, recognizing their independent scholarly value.