History of Cursive Writing

At a Glance

• The history of cursive writing dates back 5,000 years, before English was even a language.
• As connected writing developed through the Medieval Ages, the Renaissance, and Modern Times, it evolved into the cursive we know and use today.
• With the rise of the digital era, cursive took a back seat to computers and typing, but it has experienced a revival.
• Today, cursive writing is an important tool in the arsenal of many teachers and occupational therapists who work to improve children’s writing and fine motor skills.

The history of cursive writing begins in ancient Egypt, evolving in the Middle Ages and reaching a sense of refinement during the Renaissance. From Egyptian and Italian to Latin and English, there is a style of connected writing in nearly every language and every age. Learn more about the history of cursive and why cursive writing is still so important when you follow along with this overview from the experts at Real OT Solutions®.

Cursive Writing in Ancient Eras

Hieratic and demotic scripts are the earliest known examples of connected writing, dating back to around 3,000 BC. While most people believe that Egyptians used hieroglyphics for their daily writing tasks, the fact is that these were mainly for ceremonial purposes. When scribes needed to write quickly, they used a simplified (and connected) form of hieroglyphics now known as hieratic script. Over the years, this style of script evolved into an even more seamlessly connected writing style, known as demotic script, primarily used by people in their legal, business, and personal documents.

Cursive Writing During the Roman Empire

The foundation of our modern-day cursive writing actually begins during the Roman Empire, with Old Roman Cursive around the 1st century CE. The history of cursive writing during this time shows that it was used for everyday writing, both on papyrus and wax tablets. New Roman Cursive emerges around 400 CE, written with a pen in a style that included lowercase letters. The development of ink technology and the variation in strokes when forming letters heavily influenced the Western history of cursive we know today.

The Medieval History of Cursive

The next development in the history of cursive writing occurred during Medieval Times, when monasteries transformed connected writing from a utilitarian practice into works of art. Monastic scribes striving to preserve classical knowledge developed a unique style of connected writing that balanced readability with beauty.

Charlemagne's Standard Cursive

Around 800 AD, during Charlemagne’s reign, he tried to promote literacy with a standardized script. Known as Carolingian minuscule, this style of connected writing prioritized clear letter formation, consistent letter spacing, and the establishment of lowercase forms. This script encouraged handwriting practice and made text more readable and accessible for all.

The Renaissance & The History of Cursive

Between 1500 and 1700, cursive saw dramatic changes. This moment in the history of cursive writing was defined by a continued focus on blending beauty and functionality. Italic script, designed by Niccolò Niccoli, featured rightward-slanting letters, clear letter connections, and minimal decorative flourishes to enable faster writing. It was at this point that Italian writing masters published handwriting practice workbooks.

Cursive & The Printing Press

You would think that the invention of the printing press would be the end of the history of cursive writing. Oddly enough, it both elevated and decentered connected writing as the font of choice for business and legal needs, as well as for handwriting curriculum.

While printed books reduced the need for handwritten speed, they still mimicked handwritten cursive due to how deeply its aesthetic had permeated everyday culture. The printing press enhanced literacy around the world, teaching handwriting through more affordable and accessible manuals. Handwriting became the choice for personal and intimate tasks, while printed text took over business and legal needs.

The Modern History of Cursive Writing

By the time we reach the 20th century, cursive had already undergone a number of iterations, including Copperplate with its decorative capital letters and legible lowercase letters, Spencerian script with its graceful oval shapes, and the Palmer Method with its simplified letter forms for even more rapid writing.

While connected writing was valued for its speed and efficiency up to the 1900s, there was a gradual decline in cursive writing because of the development of modern technology, including the typewriter. While the history of cursive writing shows that it was an essential part of the school curriculum until the 1950s, multiple different factors contributed to its decline in later years, including:

• Typewriter availability
• Development of ballpoint pens
• Prioritizing new subjects in school
• Legibility preferences of teachers

A Modern Resurgence

In the 1910s, over 95% of adults were proficient in cursive handwriting. But in the 2010s, only about 10% of schools would teach kids handwriting in cursive. The main arguments against cursive were that we should focus on computer literacy since most real-world communication was happening digitally.

The resurgence of cursive occurred around 2015, when neurological research emerged highlighting the cognitive benefits of cursive and its assistance in developing fine motor skills.

Benefits of Cursive Writing

Since 2015, many educators have recognized the difference that cursive handwriting workbooks make for students. In addition to improving fine motor skills, cursive can also:

• Help with memory retention
• Make letter formation easier
• Promote muscle memory
• Ensure deeper cognitive engagement

If you’re considering connected writing when teaching handwriting at home or at school, the history of cursive writing shows its most obvious benefits. From enhanced speed and legibility to increased cognitive functioning, cursive is a powerful tool in your arsenal as a teacher. 

Feeling a little behind on your connected writing? Refresh your cursive skills with Real OT Solutions® when you sign up for one of our OT courses online.