Middle Ages

A journey through society of medieval Europe to discover how reading manifested

Beginning of our journey

Chapter on monastic life and reading culture

Chapter on courts and court culture

Chapter on reading culture in medieval cities

Chapter on development of reading in European national languages

Chapter on circulation of manuscripts in the Middle Ages

Chapter on reading culture in medieval universities

Melodic notation for the public recitation of the Bible in mass

Explore this gallery of monastic rules and similar formative texts

Monastic annals and the evolution of medieval historiography

Nourishment for body and soul

6th century guide for communal religious life adopted by several monastic orders

Different habits of medieval readers

The Bible is not so much one book, as it's a collection of texts. Explore this gallery of its different books.

A gallery of theologians and clergymen whose teachings were formative in establishing early Christian doctrine

What coins where used in the Middle Ages and how far they travelled

Female literacy during the Middle Ages was surprisingly high and many women encouraged reading and learning.

Exploring the Manuscript Collection of Louis of Bruges

How the Frankish noble family helped popularise and standardise written text as we know it now

Gallery with medieval coins

The 12th century saw a literary revolution in Europe

Desktops, books carousels, lamps and candles were helpful when reading or writing in the Middle Ages.

Learn about this very popular and controversial poem, a medieval guide to love.

Discover how 15th-century scribe advertised his products in the medieval mansucripts

How the page layout evolved during the early years of the printed book

Books in 13th century

How a manuscript can indicate its readership

Learn about 13th century female semi-religious orders who created and transmitted vernacular literature

Faculty of arts and university life in the Middle Ages

Rhetorical and philosophical teaching of Marcus Tullius Cicero

Different reading practices in the Middle Ages

Join 8 show-and-tell sessions exploring unique artefacts in the reading room of the Leiden University Library

What book inventories tell us about reading in monasteries: The 11th century book inventory of Corbie

The medieval manuscript, the book market, Paris as important center for book trade, book makers, sellers and consumers

The first printed books, the book market, book makers, sellers and consumers

The book of hours is a Christian devotional book used to pray the canonical hours

Masterworks from the main abbeys and bishop schools of the Carolingian Empire (8th-9th centuries)

Manuscripts from Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin

Medieval monastic manuscripts from Bruges Public Library

Manuscripts from Leiden University Libraries

Medieval manuscripts from Národní knihovna České republiky

Newly digitised manuscripts from Bibliothèque nationale de France

Manuscripts from National and University Library of Slovenia

Flat, usually round, piece of material used as a medium of exchange to facilitate trade

Early printed materials

Diverse medieval objects in 3D from the Hunt Museum

Poet and court writer for King Charles VI of France and several French dukes.

One of Ancient Rome's greatest poets, whose work work has had wide influence on Western literature

Eastern Roman Emperor who ruled from 527 to 565 (482-565)

French-speaking medieval author and court historian

Burgundian saint, abbot and theologian (1090-1153)