Embarking on a research journey is like packing for a vacation, but instead of swimsuits and sunscreen, you're armed with notebooks, ancient texts, and hopefully a sense of humor sharper than a Byzantine quill. Today, we dive into the polyglot potpourri of the Byzantine Empire and the Middle Ages. Spoiler alert: it’s more confusing and just as wild as this election cycle!
I’m completely overwhelmed about where to start, and I find that creating a glossary of definitions and translating phrases usually helps. But today, language feels like a locked gate, and for good reason. I have to acknowledge all the varied languages being used and these time periods.
Inscribing language on objects was common in the Byzantine and medieval periods. Literacy rates varied significantly, with a large portion of the population being illiterate. Despite this, there were several ways in which illiterate people could understand and engage with inscribed objects. We will get into that in another post.
Let us set the stage
Let's start with some dates. I use them loosely, just as a framework to ground myself. But if you're not familiar with these empires, let's review. Another post will be coming soon on the pitfalls of strict timelines and the joy of cultural layering and lasagna! Of course this is an oversimplification.
Fall of Rome (476 CE) The Western Roman Empire falls, leading to significant changes in the political and linguistic landscape of Europe.
Byzantine Empire (330 AD - 1453 CE): The Eastern Roman Empire, known as Byzantium, continues to thrive with its capital in Constantinople, until its fall to the Ottoman Turks.
Middle Ages (5th - 15th century): A period marked by feudalism, the spread of Christianity, and the rise of various kingdoms and empires across Europe.
Venetian Republic (697 AD - 1797 CE): The maritime republic of Venice becomes a major economic and trading power, influencing much of the Mediterranean.
Ottoman Empire (1299 AD - 1922 CE): A powerful empire that expands across Southeast Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, succeeding the Byzantine Empire.
Republic of Ragusa (1358 AD - 1808 CE): A maritime republic centered in the city of Dubrovnik, known for its strong trading fleet and diplomacy.
Spanish Empire (1492 AD - Late 19th c CE): One of the largest empires in history, beginning with the Age of Exploration and the colonization of the Americas.
Portuguese Empire (1415 AD -Mid 2oth c. CE): The first global maritime empire, establishing a vast network of colonies and trade routes from Brazil to Asia.
Greek: The Empire's Go-To Language
Greek was the star of the show in the Byzantine Empire. When Emperor Heraclius took the reins in the 7th century, he made Greek the official language. Suddenly, it was everywhere—in government, literature, education, and church services. If you wanted to get anything done in Byzantium, you’d better brush up on your Greek!
Latin: The Stubborn Old Guard
Latin was the official language of the Roman Empire and stuck around like a stubborn politician even after the Western Roman Empire fell. Though it eventually took a backseat to Greek, it never fully disappeared, lingering in legal and administrative circles.
A Medley of Other Languages
The Byzantine Empire was a melting pot, and its citizens spoke a variety of languages:
Aramaic: Popular in the eastern provinces and among religious communities.
Coptic: Used in Egypt, mainly for religious purposes by the Coptic Orthodox Church.
Armenian: Spoken by the Armenian community, both in daily life and religious practices.
Slavic Languages: Found in the northern and Balkan regions, adding to the linguistic diversity.
The Middle Ages: A Jumble of Jargons
Moving into the Middle Ages, Europe was buzzing with different languages. Here are some of the key players:
Latin: Still the go-to for the Church, scholars, and official documents.
Old English: Spoken in England until the Norman Conquest, after which it evolved into Middle English.
Old French: Dominated in France and even the English court post-Norman Conquest.
Middle High German: Used in the Holy Roman Empire, especially in literature and administration.
Old Norse: The language of the Vikings, full of sagas, heroic tales. and graffitti !
Arabic: Predominant in regions under Muslim rule, used in science, philosophy, and trade.
Greek: Still thriving in the Byzantine Empire, covering everything from theology to everyday conversations.
Old Church Slavonic: The liturgical language for Orthodox Slavs.
Vernacular Languages: Various local dialects like Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Celtic languages began to flourish.
Traders’ Common Tongues
In the bustling trade hubs of the Eastern Mediterranean, Arabic became the dominant language of commerce. Greek remained crucial, especially in Byzantine territories, while Persian added its flare in trade routes influenced by Persian culture. The Venetians and Genoese spread their Italian dialects across the seas, creating a sort of medieval business lingo. And let's not forget Lingua Franca (Sabir), a mixed language that incorporated bits of Italian, French, Spanish, Arabic, Greek, and Turkish—perfect for traders navigating diverse ports.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Polyglot Past
As I stumble into my research, I strive to remember that understanding these languages is like finding keys to different rooms in the grand mansion. Each language opens up new stories, trade secrets, and glimpses into daily life from centuries ago. Sure, translation can get confusing and overwhelming at times—it's like trying to assemble a puzzle where some pieces are missing, and others don't quite fit. But that's what makes it so fascinating. So I will try to embrace the linguistic journey, laugh at the inevitable mix-ups, and enjoy piecing together the rich mosaic of our shared past.
-Val
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