What literary period heavily influenced medieval poetry?

The literary period that heavily influenced medieval poetry is Greek and Latin Stoicism. During the medieval period, poets and writers drew inspiration from classical texts, particularly those written by ancient Greek and Roman authors. The principles of Stoicism, which emphasize virtue, wisdom, and self-control, resonated strongly with the themes found in medieval literature. This philosophy influenced not only the content but also the moral and ethical frameworks present in poetry from this era.

Medieval poets often incorporated Stoic ideas, reflecting on human existence, the nature of good and evil, and the significance of reason and virtue in life. This connection to classical antiquity helped shape the development of medieval poetry, infusing it with the philosophical and rhetorical styles characteristic of those ancient works. As such, understanding the influence of Greek and Latin Stoicism provides valuable insights into the themes and structures of medieval poetry, illustrating the continuity and evolution of literary ideas across time.