The troubadour tradition originated in the 11th to 13th centuries in the region of Occitania in southern France. Troubadours were poet-musicians who composed and performed lyrical poetry, often focusing on themes of love, chivalry, and nature. Their songs were typically written in the Occitan language and were characterized by intricate melodies and sophisticated verse forms. These artists played a significant role in the development of courtly love and influenced later literary traditions across Europe. The troubadour tradition laid the groundwork for various forms of lyric poetry and inspired other musical forms, including the minnesingers in Germany and jongleurs in France.