Arnaldus de Villa Nova, Vincent Ferrer, Anselm Turmeda, and Humanism

Arnaldus de Villa Nova

Born in Valencia, Arnaldus de Villa Nova studied Arabic medicine at the Universities of Naples and Montpellier. A prestigious physician, he divided his work into medical works in Latin and religious works defending Christian orthodoxy (Confessió de Barcelona).

Vincent Ferrer

A Dominican friar born in Valencia, Vincent Ferrer was a renowned evangelist. He was a Master of Theology and served as a counselor to kings and popes. He intervened in significant religious events, such as the Western Schism (a split in the Christian church due to the existence of two, and later three, popes), and the Compromise of Caspe, where the successor to the Crown of Aragon was decided after the death of Martin the Humane. His sermons were famous for their captivating delivery. Scribes, known as *reportadors*, accompanied him to record his sermons. His style was similar to that of Eiximenis, with a structured introduction, clear enunciation, and impactful gestures. He employed dramatic staging, enacting biblical texts and providing vivid examples. His language was characterized by colloquial expressions, syntactic alterations, and Latinisms (particularly in his visions of death and the afterlife).

Anselm Turmeda

A Franciscan friar from Majorca with extensive university studies, Anselm Turmeda converted to Islam and lived in Tunis. He adopted the name Abdallah at-Taryuman and served as head of customs and interpreter for the Sultan. After his death, he was revered as a wise and saintly figure. He wrote in both Catalan and Arabic. In Catalan, he wrote *Disputa de l'ase* (a prose work), and *Cobles de la divisió del regne de Mallorques* (verse couplets), and *Llibre de bons amonestaments*. In Arabic, his *Tuhfa* explains his conversion to Islam.

Humanism

Originating in Tuscany, Italy, Humanism represented a shift in the conception of humanity and the world. It marked a transition from Theocentricism (God-centered view) to Anthropocentrism (human-centered view), with a renewed interest in classical Greek culture and a return to rationalism. In our territory, *Paleohumanism* emerged during the reign of Peter the Ceremonious.

Bernat Metge

A notary in the royal chancellery of Barcelona, Bernat Metge was accused of involvement in the death of King John I. He was prosecuted, imprisoned, and later rehabilitated by King Martin the Humane. His works are characterized by praise for classical Greek authors, medieval themes, a distinct moral perspective, critical discourse, irony, and Latinisms. He is considered a forerunner of Humanism. Notable works include *Història de Valter e Griselda*, *Apologia*, and, most importantly, *Lo Somni*.

Antoni Canals

Born in Valencia, Antoni Canals was an important Dominican scholar. He was a pupil of Vincent Ferrer, whom he succeeded in the chair of Theology at the University of Valencia. He held significant positions within his order and played a role in the early stages of the Inquisition. His views aligned with those of Eiximenis and Metge. He produced translations of Latin classics, including works by Seneca and Valerius Maximus (*Scipió e Aníbal*, *Scala Dei* or *Ladder of Contemplation*).