In 1172, the tradition of the troubadours flourished in Southern France, where poets composed lyrical poetry in the Occitan language. These poets explored themes of courtly love, chivalry, and nature, significantly influencing the literary culture of the region. The troubadour movement played a crucial role in shaping the poetic forms and themes that would resonate throughout Europe.

The troubadours' emphasis on love and nature inspired later poets across Europe, including Dante and Petrarch, who adopted and adapted these themes in their own works. The lyrical style and emotional depth of troubadour poetry laid the foundation for the development of lyric poetry in the Renaissance.