De Vulgari Eloquentia
2010
In late-medieval Italy, pursue Volgare points by reading manuscripts, uncovering documents, and rising through merchant or religious ranks.
120
minutes
2 - 5
player(s)
14+
Medium Heavy
About this board game
De Vulgari Eloquentia is a 2010 board game for 2–5 players, with a playing time of about 120 minutes, set in Italy during the late Middle Ages. Players contribute to the creation of Volgare, the language of ordinary people that begins to gain importance alongside traditional Latin.
Fabric merchants need contracts that everyone can understand, while literates seek alternatives to the language of the elite. Against this backdrop, players explore the knowledge contained in manuscripts written in different Italian dialects and search for important texts connected with the period.
The central goal is to earn the most Volgare points. Players can gain points by reading manuscripts and finding notable documents such as the Canticle of the Sun and “The Riddle from Verona.” They can also improve their social status, with different paths available during the game.
- A merchant can become a banker.
- A Friar can become a Benedictine Monk.
- A Cardinal can rise to become Camerlengo or Pope.
Money and the support of influential figures also contribute to a player’s score. Politicians, Noblemen, Abbesses, and the Amanuensis can all provide valuable support as players pursue recognition and cultural standing.
With its focus on manuscripts, the Papal Library, religious life, commerce, and social advancement, De Vulgari Eloquentia presents a historical struggle over knowledge and language. By the end, the player who has earned the most Volgare points is the most appreciated and respected for their status and culture.
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