Petrarch, a 14th-century Italian scholar and poet, is known for his love of classical Latin literature and his efforts to recover lost works. He did not burn old Latin manuscripts to protect scholars from heresy.
Here's why:
* Petrarch's Beliefs: Petrarch was a humanist, deeply admiring the culture and knowledge of ancient Rome. He believed that studying classical texts was essential for human progress and understanding.
* Focus on Recovery: He dedicated his life to finding and preserving these ancient works. He traveled extensively, searching libraries and monasteries for lost manuscripts.
* Burning Manuscripts as Heresy: The idea of burning manuscripts to prevent heresy is more aligned with religious movements like the Albigensian Crusade in the 13th century, where religious authorities destroyed perceived heretical writings.
It's important to remember that Petrarch's actions were driven by his passionate belief in the value of classical learning, not by any desire to censor or destroy knowledge.