History & Area Studies / World History / Ancient & Medieval History

Why Medieval Monks Wrote Letters by Hand: Secrets of 11th-13th Century Autography

Did you know that in the 11th to 13th centuries, writing a letter by hand was a radical act? Historian Micol Long's book 'Autografia ed Epistolografia tra XI e XIII Secolo' reveals the hidden world of medieval autography. This video explores why monks and scholars chose to write by hand, from secret political plots to emotional love letters, and even relics of saints. We'll uncover the five motivations behind handwritten letters: secrecy, affection, humility, reliability, and spiritual power. Discover how these practices reshaped medieval culture and why the term 'autograph' disappeared for centuries. Watch to understand the surprising intimacy of medieval correspondence and its lasting impact on modern writing.