Italy

Abstract

This chapter traces a synthetic picture of Latin literature in Italy between the fifth and fourteenth centuries, in its relations with political and cultural history. Generally speaking, the development of medi-eval Latin literature in Italy is examined with reference to literary genres and geographical areas, with par-ticular attention to auctores and their works. Among the most significant authors are Boethius, Cassiodo-rus, Venantius Fortunatus, Gregory the Great, Paul the Deacon, Liutprand of Cremona, Peter from Eboli, Salimbene, Iacopo da Varazze, Dante, Petrarch and Boccaccio.