Middle Irish is a historical form of the Irish language that was spoken and written from around the 10th to the 12th centuries. It evolved from Old Irish and is characterized by significant changes in grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. This period saw the emergence of a rich literary tradition, including poetry and prose. During the Middle Irish period, many texts were produced, such as the Táin Bó Cúailnge and various religious writings. The language reflects the cultural and social changes of the time, including the influence of Norse and Latin. It laid the foundation for Modern Irish, which is still spoken today.