Roman uncial script

calligraphy

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July 13, 2026

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Uncial script, a form of calligraphy, is characterized by its simple, rounded strokes. It emerged around the 2nd century AD with the development of the codex book and the use of parchment and vellum. Unlike earlier square Roman script, uncial was adapted for the direct strokes of a pen held in one position, making it a favorite for scribes. For over 500 years, most Latin literature was copied using this hand. A variation, half uncial, developed with more cursive forms, including ascenders and descenders. Uncial is a majuscule script, meaning all its letters fit between horizontal lines.12

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majuscule
…forerunners was a script called uncial—a rounder, more open majuscule form influenced by cursive. Uncial was the most common script used to write books from the 4th to the 8th century ad. Half uncial script was developed during the same period and eventually evolved into an almost entirely minuscule alphabet.…
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…forerunners was a script called uncial—a rounder, more open majuscule form influenced by cursive. Uncial was the most common script used to write books from the 4th to the 8th century ad. Half uncial script was developed during the same period and eventually evolved into an almost entirely minuscule alphabet.…
Read More