Scriptoria

Scriptoria were specialized rooms or spaces in medieval monasteries where monks meticulously copied and produced handwritten manuscripts. This practice was crucial for preserving knowledge, literature, and religious texts before the invention of the printing press. The term also refers to the broader tradition of manuscript production during this period. Scriptoria played a significant role in the transmission of culture and education, making ancient and contemporary works accessible. Their careful craftsmanship ensured the survival of many texts that might have otherwise been lost, contributing to the intellectual foundations of Europe throughout the Middle Ages.