Palaeography (study of ancient writing)

Palaeography is the study of ancient handwriting and scripts, particularly those used in manuscripts from the past. During the Middle Ages, this field played a crucial role in understanding and preserving written works, as most texts were copied by hand. Scholars learned to interpret different styles of writing to date documents, identify authors, and understand historical contexts. Palaeography was essential for education, as it enabled the transmission of knowledge through texts, particularly in monasteries, where scribes meticulously copied classical and religious works, shaping the intellectual landscape of the time.