Neo-Latin

Hondius - Nova Europae Descriptio 1619

Hans Holbein d. J. - Erasmus - Louvre

John Calvin Museum Catharijneconvent RMCC s84 cropped

Christophorus Stimmelius - Frantz Friderich

Mediaeval lecture

Neo-Latin refers to the form of the Latin language that was used after the end of the Middle Ages, roughly from the Renaissance in the 14th century to the middle of the 20th century. Neo-Latin was used extensively in the realms of literature, scholarly and scientific writing, and the Catholic Church. It served as a lingua franca for educated Europeans and played a significant role in the development of early modern science and philosophy.

History and Development

The revival of Latin during the Renaissance was marked by a return to the classical Latin of Cicero and Virgil, as opposed to the Medieval Latin that had evolved in the Middle Ages. This revival was part of a broader cultural movement that sought to rediscover and emulate the literature, art, and philosophy of ancient Rome. The humanists, scholars of the Renaissance, were at the forefront of this revival, correcting and editing classical texts and composing new works in Latin.

Neo-Latin literature flourished from the 14th to the 17th centuries, with authors like Erasmus, Thomas More, and Isaac Newton contributing significantly to its corpus. Although written in a period far removed from classical antiquity, Neo-Latin works were stylistically and grammatically aligned with the classical standards.

Characteristics

Neo-Latin, while based on Classical Latin, incorporated the knowledge and realities of the Renaissance and early modern period. It adapted Latin to new concepts, especially in science and technology, leading to the creation of new vocabulary. Despite these innovations, Neo-Latin writers strived for the purity of classical Latin, often imitating the style of specific Roman authors.

Usage

1. 1. 1. Scholarly and Scientific Writing###

Neo-Latin was the predominant language of scholarly discourse and scientific writing until the 17th century, when vernacular languages began to gain prominence. The use of Latin allowed scholars from different linguistic backgrounds to communicate and share their findings. Notable scientific works written in Neo-Latin include Isaac Newton's Principia Mathematica and Carl Linnaeus' Systema Naturae.

1. 1. 1. Literature###

Neo-Latin literature encompasses a wide range of genres, including poetry, drama, and prose. This literature often reflected the humanist values of the Renaissance, emphasizing classical forms and themes while also engaging with contemporary issues.

1. 1. 1. Catholic Church###

The Catholic Church continued to use Latin as its liturgical language in the form of Ecclesiastical Latin, which shares many characteristics with Neo-Latin. The Council of Trent (1545–1563) and subsequent Vatican Councils reinforced the use of Latin in liturgy and official documents.

Decline

The decline of Neo-Latin began in the 17th century as vernacular languages became the preferred medium for literature and scholarly work. However, Latin remained an important part of education, particularly in the teaching of many subjects in the humanities, until the 20th century.

Legacy

Neo-Latin played a crucial role in the development of modern European languages and literature. It served as a bridge between the classical world and the modern, influencing the development of the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, and modern science. The study of Neo-Latin remains an important field within classical and Renaissance studies, providing insights into the cultural, scientific, and intellectual history of early modern Europe.