Why did lowercase letters evolve during the Middle Ages?

The evolution of lowercase letters during the Middle Ages was largely driven by the need to save space on expensive parchment. In a time when writing materials were costly and limited, especially parchment made from animal skins, it was essential to maximize the use of available space. Lowercase letters, which are typically smaller than uppercase letters, allowed scribes to fit more text onto a single page. This innovation not only made written documents more economical but also influenced the readability and flow of text.

While enhancing artistic expression, simplifying writing, and accommodating new styles of calligraphy were factors in the evolution of writing systems, the primary motivation behind the development of distinct lowercase forms was the practical concern over conserving resources in a time when parchment was a valuable commodity. The shift towards a more compact form of writing ultimately had a lasting impact on typography and literacy.