The Italian humanist scholar Domenico Bandini completed his extensive Latin encyclopedia, 'Fons memorabilium universi' (The Fountain of Memorable Things of the Universe), in Città di Castello, Italy. This work departed from strict medieval theological frameworks by employing an early humanist perspective that highlighted classical antiquity, geography, pagan mythology, and famous men. It served as a vital intellectual bridge between medieval scholasticism and the early Italian Renaissance.

Bandini's focus on classical pagan mythology and ancient authors provided early Renaissance poets with an organized handbook of classical motifs. This encyclopedia helped standardize the mythological allegories that became a defining characteristic of Italian humanistic poetry and courtly verse.