Merovingian script

The Merovingian script is a version of the Latin alphabet the emerged in the Frankish kingdom during the Merovingian dynasty. It was used mainly in the monasteries of Luxeuil, Laon, Corbie and Chelles from the 7th and 10th centuries AD.

Each monastery had its own version of the script, which developed from uncial scripts, and was similar to half-uncial and insular scripts.

Merovingian script

Download charts for Latin alphabets (Excel)

Sample texts

Sample text in Merovingian script

Source: http://legalhistorysources.com/ChurchHistory220/LectureTwo/IvreaCapBibl-Ifol53v.htm

Transliteration

...qualitas astringit Saepe namque alii sufficiunt quae aliis prosunt, quia et plerumque herbae quae haec animalia nutriunt alia occidunt et lenis sibilus equos mitigat catulos instigat et medicamentum quod hunc morbum imminuit alteri uires iungit Et panis qui uitam fortium robo-[rat parvulorum necat.]

From De clericorum instutione by Hrabanus Maurus - transliteration by Renato Montes

Sample text in Merovingian script

Transliteration

Omnes homines dignitate et iure liberi et pares nascuntur, rationis et conscientiae participes sunt, quibus inter se concordiae studio est agendum.

Translation

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
(Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights)

Information about Merovingian script
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merovingian_script
http://medievalwriting.50megs.com/scripts/examples/merov2.htm
http://medievalwriting.50megs.com/scripts/examples/merov3.htm

Other versions of the Latin alphabet

Archaic Latin alphabet, Basque-style lettering, Carolingian Minuscule, Classical Latin alphabet, Fraktur, Gaelic script, Merovingian, Modern Latin alphabet, Roman Cursive, Rustic Capitals, Old English, Sütterlin, Visigothic Script

Page last modified: 07.10.22

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