cento

Cento is a term with more than one sense, most commonly used in literature and in geography. In poetry, a cento is a work composed entirely of verses or phrases borrowed from other authors, arranged to form a new narrative or thematic unit. The borrowed material is usually taken from recognizable sources and assembled to create coherence, often preserving the original wording and meter, though poets may adjust wording or order to fit form or meaning. Centos can serve as homage, pastiche, satire, or sophisticated intertextual commentary, highlighting connections and contrasts among authors.

Historically, the cento has ancient roots and has appeared in various cultures. In classical antiquity, authors assembled centos from Latin and Greek passages, and the form persisted through medieval and Renaissance periods with poets using it to explore classical themes or engage contemporary topics. In later centuries, poets across different languages revived and experimented with cento techniques, contributing to its reputation as a playful yet serious literary exercise. Today, centos continue to appear as experimental or educational projects, illustrating how literary quotation can be transformed into new art.

Cento also refers to a geographic location: Cento is a comune in the Province of Ferrara, in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. Located in the Po Valley, Cento has its own local history, architecture and economy, and forms part of the broader cultural and historical landscape of the region.