The first textbook of grammar of classical (aka antique) Latin, Elegantiae Linguae Latinae ("On the grace of the Latin language"), was published in 1471 by the Renaissance humanist Lorenzo Valla (real name Lavrenti della Valle). Valla is said to have "demonstrated the technique of purity and elegance of Classical Latin, devoid of medieval awkwardness."
Lorenzo Valla.
The book gained immense popularity and, until 1530, was reprinted over 60 times. However, not everyone liked her. Poggio Bracciolini criticized Elegantiae. Valla answered. In the controversy, both scientists showed themselves from the worst side. Accusations of ignorance, savagery, plagiarism and even worse were thrown at each other.
Humanist and caligrapher Poggio Bracciolini worked as a copyist of books. He invented a new font that served as the basis for all Romanesque fonts. Simultaneously with the correspondence of famous manuscripts, he "found" manuscripts hitherto unknown, attributed to him by the pen of Lucretius, Cicero and other "ancient" authors. In a dispute with Valla, Bracciolini defended vulgar (it is folk, it is medieval) Latin, which, it seems, is not a descendant of classical Latin, but, on the contrary, is much older than it. By the way, vulgar Latin at that time was used in church life and was taught at universities. Later it became the basis for French, Italian and many other national languages.
Poggio Bracciolini.
The authorities decided the dispute. Pope Nicholas V ordered to translate all the famous writers at that time into classical Latin. Lorenzo Valla himself was appointed responsible for the translation of Fukinides, he also translated part of Homer's Iliad. By 1500, most of the main Latin authors were in print. Around the same time, Aldus Manutius (1449-1515) founded the Neacademia (or Aldine Academy) in Venice, whose task, among other things, was to publish large and relatively cheap editions of "antique" authors.
In 1536, the grammar of classical Latin in the book "De causis linguae Latinae" was thoroughly revised by Julius Caesar Scaliger, a specialist in all sciences of that time. His real name is Giulio Bordoni. He considered himself to be the offspring of the aristocratic house of La Scala (in Latin Scaliger) and used this pseudonym without a twinge of conscience. Julius Caesar is also known as the father of Joseph Scaliger, the founder of modern chronology.
Julius Caesar Scaliger.
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For two centuries, from about 1500 to 1700, the Latin language flourished. He served as a lingua franca in the fields of science, education, and diplomacy. Many scientific works, such as Newton's Principia Mathematica (1687), are written in Latin. Latin was used as the international language of diplomatic correspondence, and international treaties were concluded in it. Latin was the official language of the Holy Roman Empire, Rzeczpospolita, and a number of other states. It is known that in 1720, King George I of England, who did not know English, spoke in Latin with his ministers.
In the 18th century, due to the growing movement for the use of national languages, the influence of Latin began to gradually decline. In the field of diplomacy, it was replaced by French. The once vast literature in Latin began to fade away. It has acquired a mostly technical character, being used mainly in medicine, botany and jurisprudence. Purely artistic works have become a rarity. Poets like Arthur Rimbaud and Max Beerbohm continued to write Latin poetry, but only as literary exercises. Until the middle of the 19th century, Latin occupied a leading position in the educational process. During this time, its value was called into question. And in the 20th century, it lost its relevance here too.
The Latin language died out. However, contrary to popular belief, at present he is not dead, but lives and develops. Today, Latin (along with Italian) is the official language of the Vatican City State. Its regulation, including the inclusion of the necessary neologisms, is dealt with by the Pontifical Academy, established by Benedict XVI. The periodicals Vox Latina (quarterly) and Mellisa (twice a month) are published in Latin. In Latin, articles are traditionally written on issues of classical philosophy, it is widely used in natural sciences.
In some cathedrals of the Catholic Church, masses are held in Latin, although the Second Vatican Council allowed the use of national languages for these purposes. Finnish radio station YLE Radio 1 has for many years been broadcasting the now famous weekly global news coverage called Nuntii Latini, entirely in Latin. German Radio Bremen also produces regular broadcasts in Latin. Latin is taught in Germany (35-50% of schools depending on the land), France (50%) and Italy (approx. 70%).