Renaissance Latin
Renaissance Latin refers to the distinctive form of Literary Latin that evolved during the European Renaissance spanning the 14th to 15th centuries. This intellectual and cultural movement marked a deliberate revival of the classical languages, literature, and values from Ancient Rome and Greece. The resurgence in classical studies played a pivotal role in shaping Renaissance Latin, which became the primary language for scholarly writing across Europe.
Characteristics and Development
Renaissance Latin emerged as scholars sought to purify Latin by distancing it from the so-called "barbarisms" of Medieval Latin. The humanists of the Renaissance, driven by the motto ad fontes ("to the sources"), advocated a return to the linguistic purity exemplified by the writings of classical authors like Cicero and Virgil. Their efforts marked a transition to what is known as Neo-Latin, a highly standardized form of Latin that remained influential until the 19th century.
This linguistic shift involved the abandonment of the sequence and other medieval metrical forms. Scholars revived the Greek formats used during the Roman period, aiming for a grammatical and stylistically accurate form of Latin. The Renaissance Latinists viewed much of the extensive medieval Latin corpus as "Gothic," a pejorative term for them, signifying what they regarded as a degradation from classical standards.
Influence and Usage
Renaissance Latin was the lingua franca of learned discourse and facilitated cross-cultural academic exchanges. It was the language of choice for scientific, philosophical, and theological texts, enabling intellectuals to communicate across national boundaries. This was critical during a time when vernacular languages were not yet standardized or widely understood beyond local regions.
Prominent institutions, such as the University of Paris and the University of Oxford, employed Renaissance Latin for instruction and scholarly publication. The period also saw the flourishing of Latin literature, encompassing various genres from poetry to legal treatises.
Legacy
The impact of Renaissance Latin extended beyond its immediate era, laying the foundation for the development of Neo-Latin. This later form continued to serve as an essential medium for scholarly and scientific communication. The cultural reclamation of classical antiquity during the Renaissance also contributed to the foundational ideas of Renaissance Humanism, which emphasized the value of human agency and intellect.
The I Tatti Renaissance Library and other modern initiatives continue to celebrate and study Renaissance Latin literature, preserving its influence and ensuring its ongoing academic relevance.