Scriptoria were rooms or spaces in medieval monasteries where monks copied and illuminated manuscripts. These areas were essential for preserving knowledge, as they produced texts that included religious works, classical literature, and scientific treatises. The work was labor-intensive and required great skill, often involving the use of quills, ink, and parchment. The term "scriptorium" comes from the Latin word "scriptorium," meaning "a place for writing." In addition to monks, some scriptoria employed lay scribes and artists. The manuscripts created in these scriptoria played a crucial role in the transmission of knowledge throughout Europe during the Middle Ages, influencing the Renaissance and beyond.