Sicilian School

The Sicilian School was a group of poets in the 13th century, based in Sicily, led by the poet Giacomo da Lentini. They are considered among the earliest composers of lyric poetry in the European literary tradition, developing new poetic forms, like the sonnet, and enriching the use of the Sicilian dialect. Their work helped lay the foundation for later Western poetry, blending regional language with themes of love, courtly manners, and chivalry. This movement marked a significant shift toward more personal and expressive poetry, influencing European literature for centuries to come.