Handritum

Handritum is a term of Norse origin referring to a manuscript written by hand. This encompasses a wide range of historical documents, from religious texts and legal codes to literary works and personal letters, created before the advent of printing technology. The creation of handritum was a labor-intensive process, often carried out by scribes in monasteries or scriptoria. Materials used included parchment, vellum, and paper, and the writing tools typically involved quills and ink.

The study of handritum is crucial for understanding the intellectual, cultural, and historical development of societies. Scholars examine these manuscripts for linguistic evolution, artistic styles in illumination and calligraphy, and the preservation of knowledge. The content of handritum provides direct insight into the beliefs, social structures, and daily lives of people from past eras. Many surviving handritum are considered invaluable cultural heritage, offering a tangible link to history. The term is particularly relevant in the context of Old Norse literature and medieval European manuscripts.