description Johannes Balbus Overview
Johannes Balbus was a Dominican scholar from Genoa who completed the Latin Catholicon in 1286. The work combined a Latin grammar with a substantial dictionary and became an important reference text in late medieval education and clerical scholarship. It was later printed at Mainz in 1460, placing Balbus's compilation in the history of early European printing as well as in the development of Latin lexicography for readers and students of the Middle Ages.
help Johannes Balbus FAQ
What was Johannes Balbus's Catholicon?
The Catholicon was a Latin reference work combining grammar with a substantial dictionary. Johannes Balbus completed it in 1286.
Who was Johannes Balbus?
Johannes Balbus was a Dominican scholar from Genoa. His work was used in late medieval education and clerical scholarship.
Why was the Catholicon important in medieval learning?
It brought Latin grammar and vocabulary together in one reference text. That made it useful to students and clerics working with Latin texts.
Where was the Catholicon later printed?
The Catholicon was later printed at Mainz, one of the key centers of early European printing. Its appearance in print helped extend the reach of a medieval reference work.
explore Explore More
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.