Up to 60% of medieval texts and 95% of manuscripts have vanished, study finds
A new study utilizing simulations reveals that up to 60% of medieval texts and 95% of manuscripts have vanished over the centuries.
📍 The outcome
A study used simulations and text family trees to suggest that up to 60% of medieval texts and 95% of manuscripts vanished over centuries. This included the loss of 60% of medieval knight tales.
The story quieted without a definitive conclusion in the coverage.
Epilogue added 43d ago, after coverage quieted.
The story so far
New research into medieval text family trees suggests a massive loss of historical records. According to findings reported by Archaeology News Online Magazine, up to 60% of medieval texts and 95% of manuscripts have disappeared.
Popular Science specifically highlights the loss of medieval knight tales. Coverage from Phys.org and The Debrief emphasizes the use of simulations to uncover evidence of these lost works.
The reports indicate that these simulations have allowed scholars to identify gaps in the historical record, though this discovery has introduced new concerns for historians. Future attention will likely focus on the implications of these findings for the understanding of medieval history, as scholars continue to analyze the scale of the missing documentation.
Synthesized by Newsylist from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. ✓ fact-checked: all claims supported by sources Updated 43d ago.
The obvious questions
What percentage of medieval texts have vanished?
A study finds that up to 60% of medieval texts have vanished.
How much of the manuscript record is missing?
According to Archaeology News Online Magazine, 95% of manuscripts have vanished.
How did scholars reach these conclusions?
Researchers used simulations and analyzed medieval text family trees to uncover evidence of the lost works.
Who reported it (4)
- Scholars Uncover Evidence of ‘Lost’ Medieval Manuscripts Using Simulations—Along With a New Concern for Historians The Debrief · 47d ago
- Medieval text family trees suggest 60% of works vanished over centuries Phys.org · 47d ago
- 60% of medieval knight tales lost to time Popular Science · 47d ago
- Up to 60% of medieval texts and 95% of manuscripts have vanished, study finds Archaeology News Online Magazine · 47d ago broke it first
Momentum
How fast coverage is spreading — measured hourly from article rate × source diversity. How this works →
People, places & organizations
Topics
Related trends
Archaeologists uncover mysterious face hidden for centuries in Book of Revelation city
A face-down monumental marble statue dating back 2,500 years has been unearthed in a Book of Revelation city.
Roman shipwreck with hundreds of amphorae found off Sicily
An ancient Roman shipwreck laden with hundreds of amphorae has been discovered off the coast of Sicily.
Ancient Egyptian princesses were skilled archers and used weapons 4,000 years ago, bone study finds
New bone analysis reveals that Ancient Egyptian princesses were skilled archers and weapon users 4,000 years ago.
Man discovers ancient, 2,700-year-old sword while walking through forest
Archaeologists are puzzled after a man discovered a 2,700-year-old bronze sword standing upright in a forest.
6,000-year-old infant from ancient Mesopotamia shows one of the world's oldest signs of child abuse
Archaeologists in Syria have uncovered a 6,000-year-old infant with broken ribs, suggesting one of the earliest documented instances of child abuse.
Dirty 'button' unearthed by metal detectorist turns out to be a rare 900-year-old coin from Norway's last Viking king, Magnus Barefoot
A metal detectorist in Norway discovered a 900-year-old silver coin initially mistaken for a dirty old button.