Cyrillic script medieval

The medieval Cyrillic script emerged in the 9th century in the region of Bulgaria, derived from Greek uncial, influencing the writing of Eastern and Southern Slavic peoples.

About this subject

The medieval Cyrillic script developed in the First Bulgarian Empire around the 9th century, derived from the Greek uncial alphabet. Tradition credits its creation to Saints Cyril and Methodius, although they actually devised the Glagolitic alphabet. Cyrillic was later adapted by their disciples, such as Clement of Ohrid, who simplified Glagolitic to resemble Greek script. The medieval Cyrillic script, also known as Church Slavonic, was used in liturgy and religious manuscripts, spreading across Slavic regions including Rus', Ukraine, Serbia, and Bulgaria. A distinctive feature is the inclusion of letters for specific Slavic sounds, such as nasal vowels and palatalized consonants, which were absent in Greek. Important manuscripts like the Codex Suprasliensis, dated to the 10th century, exemplify medieval Cyrillic writing. The alphabet underwent reforms over centuries, notably under Peter the Great in the early 18th century, simplifying letterforms to create modern Cyrillic. Many medieval characters fell out of use, but some persist in contemporary Church Slavonic texts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the medieval Cyrillic script?

The medieval Cyrillic script is an early form of the Cyrillic alphabet, created in the 9th century in Bulgaria, used in liturgical and state manuscripts by Slavic peoples.

Who created the Cyrillic alphabet?

Though often attributed to Cyril and Methodius, the Cyrillic alphabet was developed by their disciples, especially Clement of Ohrid, based on the Greek uncial script.

What are the differences between medieval and modern Cyrillic?

Medieval Cyrillic had more letters, including nasal vowels and archaic characters like Ѡ (omega) and Ѧ (small jus). Modern Cyrillic was simplified and standardized, especially after Peter the Great's reform.