Why did lowercase letters evolve during the Middle Ages?

The evolution of lowercase letters during the Middle Ages is primarily tied to practical considerations. One significant factor was the need to save space on valuable parchment. At the time, parchment was a scarce and expensive resource, so writers sought ways to maximize the content they could fit on a single page. Lowercase letters, which are generally smaller and more compact than uppercase letters, allowed for denser text and reduced the amount of parchment needed for each manuscript. This practical approach to writing facilitated the production of more texts, contributing to the spread of literacy and knowledge during that period.

This focus on efficiency also intersected with the growing complexity of literary and administrative needs, but it was the economic drive to conserve materials that played a pivotal role in the adoption of lowercase letters. As a result, the evolution of letter forms not only reflects aesthetic choices but also the essential logistical considerations of the time.