# Vincent of Beauvais

> 13th century French encyclopedist

**Wikidata**: [Q455162](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q455162)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vincent_of_Beauvais)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/vincent-of-beauvais

## Summary

Vincent of Beauvais (January 1, 1190–January 1, 1264) was a French scholar born in Boran-sur-Oise and died in Beauvais. A subject of the Kingdom of France[1], he worked as a pedagogue, philosopher, writer, zoologist, naturalist, and encyclopedist[2]. His religious affiliation was with the Catholic Church.Vincent’s primary field was philosophy. His contributions spanned multiple disciplines, reflecting his role as a compiler and synthesizer of medieval knowledge. His works remain key references for understanding 13th-century intellectual traditions.

## Summary
Vincent of Beauvais was a 13th-century French encyclopedist, writer, and philosopher known for compiling the *Speculum Maius*, a major encyclopedia of the Middle Ages. He was a Dominican friar who served as a pedagogue and naturalist, contributing significantly to the body of knowledge in natural history and philosophy within the Kingdom of France.

## Biography
- **Born**: c. 1190 (sources also cite 1184 or 1194)
- **Died**: c. 1264 (sources also cite 1267)
- **Nationality**: Kingdom of France
- **Known for**: Compiling the *Speculum Maius*; contributions to philosophy, zoology, and natural history
- **Occupations**: Encyclopedist, writer, philosopher, pedagogue, zoologist, naturalist
- **Field(s)**: Philosophy
- **Aliases**: Vincentius Burgundus, Vincent de Beauvais, Vinzenz von Beauvais, Vincentius Bellovacensis, Vincentius Belvacensis

## Contributions
Vincent of Beauvais is best known for authoring the *Speculum Maius* (Great Mirror), a 13th-century encyclopedia that stands as one of the most extensive compendiums of knowledge of the Middle Ages. His notable works include a vast array of writings categorized under various titles in the historical record, such as *Speculum Naturale*, *Speculum Doctrinale*, and *Speculum Historiale*. These works compiled knowledge spanning natural history, doctrine, and history, serving as a foundational resource for scholars in the Kingdom of France and beyond.

## FAQs
**What was Vincent of Beauvais's primary occupation?**
Vincent of Beauvais was a multi-disciplinary scholar who worked as an encyclopedist, writer, philosopher, pedagogue, zoologist, and naturalist.

**What is the *Speculum Maius*?**
The *Speculum Maius* is a 13th-century encyclopedia written by Vincent of Beauvais. It is considered a significant work of the Middle Ages, compiling knowledge across various disciplines.

**What nationality was Vincent of Beauvais?**
He was a subject of the Kingdom of France, a monarchy in Western Europe that existed from 987 to 1792.

**What other names was Vincent of Beauvais known by?**
He was also known as Vincentius Burgundus, Vincent de Beauvais, Vinzenz von Beauvais, Vincentius Bellovacensis, and Vincentius Belvacensis.

## Why They Matter
Vincent of Beauvais matters for his role in preserving and systematizing the knowledge of the medieval world through his encyclopedic works. As a philosopher and naturalist working within the Kingdom of France, he bridged the gap between ancient wisdom and medieval scholarship, influencing the development of European intellectual traditions. His work provided a structured body of knowledge that served as an educational resource for centuries, reflecting the scholarly culture of the 13th century.

## Notable For
- Authoring the *Speculum Maius*, a landmark 13th-century encyclopedia.
- Serving as a pedagogue and scholar in the Kingdom of France.
- Contributing to the fields of philosophy, zoology, and natural history.
- Being recognized as a prominent encyclopedist of the Middle Ages.

## Body
### Historical Context
Vincent of Beauvais lived and worked during the 13th century within the Kingdom of France. This kingdom, a major European power, provided the political and cultural environment for his scholarly endeavors. The Kingdom of France, which succeeded West Francia in 987, was a center of intellectual activity, particularly noted for the development of the French language, literature, and Gothic architecture.

### Life and Career
Details regarding his exact birth date vary, with records indicating dates around 1184, 1190, or 1194. Similarly, his death is recorded around 1264 or 1267. He pursued a career defined by extensive writing and compilation of knowledge. His professional identity encompassed multiple roles: he was recognized as a writer, philosopher, pedagogue, zoologist, and naturalist. These occupations highlight his multifaceted approach to scholarship, combining academic instruction with scientific observation and philosophical inquiry.

### Major Works
Vincent's most significant contribution is the *Speculum Maius*. This comprehensive encyclopedia includes:
- *Speculum Naturale*: Covering natural history and the natural world.
- *Speculum Doctrinale*: Addressing doctrine and practical knowledge.
- *Speculum Historiale*: Focusing on historical events and narratives.

The *Speculum Maius* remains a critical reference for understanding medieval perspectives on science, philosophy, and history.

### Scholarly Network and Influence
Vincent of Beauvais is connected to the broader intellectual tradition of the 13th century. He is related to Jacob van Maerlant, a 13th-century Flemish poet, indicating a network of literary and scholarly exchange during this period. His work in philosophy aligns with the study of truths and principles of being, schools of thought, and knowledge, reflecting the academic disciplines of his time.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Biblioteca Virtual Miguel de Cervantes
3. Library of the World's Best Literature
4. BnF authorities
5. CiNii Research
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. [Source](http://digitale.beic.it/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do?fn=search&vid=BEIC&vl%283134987UI0%29=creator&vl%28freeText0%29=Vincent%20de%20Beauvais%20)
9. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index16.html)
10. CONOR.SI
11. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
12. Enciclopedia Treccani
13. [Source](http://www.maru.firenze.sbn.it/MareMagnum/mare_magnum.htm)
14. LIBRIS. 2012
15. FactGrid
16. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands
17. Provenio
18. HMML Authority File
19. [Source](https://www.getty.edu/art/collection/artists/683)
20. Digital Scriptorium Catalog