Harvard's Hidden Treasure: A 1300 Magna Carta Emerges

A seemingly modest acquisition by Harvard Law School in 1946—a $27.50 purchase believed to be a facsimile—has been revealed as an authentic 1300 exemplification of the Magna Carta, issued under King Edward I. This discovery, confirmed by medieval historians David Carpenter and Nicholas Vincent, identifies the document as one of only seven known surviving copies from that year. Advanced imaging techniques and meticulous comparisons with other exemplars validated its authenticity.

An evocative testament to the enduring significance of foundational legal documents and the surprises that historical archives can yield.

(Source: NBC News)