A troubadour was a poet and musician in the medieval period, particularly active in the 11th to 13th centuries in the region of Occitania in southern France. They composed and performed songs that often focused on themes of love, chivalry, and courtly life. Troubadours were known for their lyrical skills and often wrote in the Occitan language. These artists played a significant role in the development of lyric poetry and influenced later literary traditions across Europe. Many troubadours were associated with noble courts, where they entertained and shared their works, contributing to the cultural life of the time.