Greek and Latin in Byzantine Italy (6th–11th Century)

Abstract

AbstractItaly was essentially Latin when it was reconquered by the Emperor Justinian during the Gothic War (536-554). Latin was the written language which all educated people knew. The article describes the introduction of the Greek language in the Italian provinces which at various times from the 6th to the 11th century belonged to the Byzantine Empire and includes a discussion of where and in what manner the two languages coexisted.