In brief
In a remarkable turn of events, a manuscript long thought to be a mere copy of the Magna Carta, stored at Harvard Law School for about 80 years, has been identified as one of the seven existing originals from 1300. Purchased for $27.50 after World War II, the document was largely overlooked until two British academics stumbled upon its historical significance. David Carpenter, a medieval history professor, revealed that the document had resurfaced at a time of scrutiny for Harvard, adding to its importance. The manuscript's immense value remains largely unknown, though similar documents have fetched millions at auction.
The document's authentication involved advanced imaging techniques to confirm its authenticity. Nicholas Vincent, another historian involved in the discovery, emphasized the significance of the Magna Carta in binding rulers to the law, underscoring its relevance in today's context.
