The age of humanism
Bernhard Bischoff
In northern Italy laymen interested in literature, and active members of the notarial or judicial profession, already thirteenth century discovered copies rare forgotten authors from old ecclesiastical libraries used them their works. Thus Albertanus Brescia (†c. 1248) copied a carolingian codex letters Seneca which he provided with marginal comments sketches. The Paduan scholars Lovato dei Lovati (1241—1309), Geremia di Montagnone († 1321) Iohannes de Matociis, mansionarius cathedral at Verona, were lucky to make genuine discoveries. Amongst these Catullus, Tibullus, Propertius, Varro De re rustica , Scriptores historiae Augustae Cicero; treasures Verona library Rather had seen tenth rediscovered. For second source was Pomposa; best manuscript Seneca's tragedies that written there eleventh century. effect discoveries could have remained limited for long time local literature use florilegia, if Petrarch not incorporated comprehensive picture Roman antiquity his youth sought recover. course efforts acquire newer better texts external circumstances came assistance; through sojourn curia Avignon able establish valuable contacts.