The diverse literary heritage of medieval Europe reflects the interconnectedness of cultures, the influence of religious thought, and the emergence of vernacular languages alongside classical traditions. Each region contributed unique perspectives, creating a tapestry of stories, poetry, and philosophical works that continue to captivate readers today. Step into the rich tapestry of the literary languages of medieval Europe that shaped the cultural landscape of their time.
Explore languagesSacred
Arabic
Arabic is a Semitic language known for its significance in Islamic culture and literature.
ExploreGreek
Greek was widely used in the Eastern Roman Empire and is known for its contributions to philosophy, science, and literature.
ExploreHebrew
Hebrew is a Semitic language with ancient roots, used for religious texts like the Old Testament.
ExploreLatin
Latin was the language of the Roman Empire and continued as the language of scholarship, the church, and science.
ExploreChurch Slavonic
Church Slavonic was used in Orthodox Christian liturgy and religious texts in Eastern Europe.
ExploreCeltic
Irish
Old and Middle Irish (or Gaelic) were Celtic languages spoken in medieval Ireland and Scotland
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Germanic
German
It was not a single language in the Middle Ages: High German was used in the south and Low German in the north.
ExploreEnglish
English includes Old English, Middle English, and has a diverse medieval literary tradition.
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Romance
Catalan
Catalan is spoken in Catalonia and other regions, related to Occitan and Spanish (Castilian).
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Italian
Italian is known for its Renaissance art, literature, and its influence on modern culture.
ExploreOccitan
Occitan is a Romance language spoken in southern France, with a history of troubadour poetry.
ExploreSlavic
Church Slavonic
Church Slavonic was used in Orthodox Christian liturgy and religious texts in Eastern Europe.
ExploreEast Slavic
East Slavic languages include today's Russian, Ukrainian, and Belarusian.
South Slavic
South Slavic languages include Serbian, Croatian, and Bulgarian, with diverse medieval traditions.
Czech
Czech developed as a literary language in the late Middle Ages and was spoken in Central Europe.
ExplorePolish
Polish medieval literature includes epic poetry, chivalric romances, and religious texts.
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